Have you ever wondered what the vehicles with blue flashing lights were doing? They are headed to a potential emergency situation.

Pennsylvania legislation states that personal vehicles can be equipped with no more than two flashing or revolving blue lights. This is reserved for ambulance personnel, volunteer firefighters, certified volunteer search and rescue organization members and owners and handlers of dogs used in tracking humans. Blue lights, however, do not give a volunteer firefighter or any other emergency responder the right to disobey traffic laws or move through red lights.

The first responders who use the blue lights, without any red lights, are often responding to a 911 call, in their personal vehicle, because additional manpower is needed. Many are making their way to the station, firehouse or scene.

And while it is not required to pullover or yield to the vehicle with flashing blue lights, the departments and your neighbors would appreciate all drivers treating the vehicle like any other emergency vehicle. When it is safe to do so, pull over to the right and come to a complete stop, so that responders may travel safely past.

From the fire departments, ambulance services, and all the other responders, every second counts. Help them help you. You never know, the volunteers could be responding to an emergency for a friend, or one of your loved ones.