If you need to make an emergency call while driving, what is the safest action to take?

The safest action to take when making an emergency call while driving is to pull over to the side of the road. This choice minimizes distraction and reduces the risk of an accident, as you can focus fully on the task at hand without having to manage the vehicle. When you are parked safely and out of the way of traffic, you are in a controlled environment where you can communicate without the pressures and dangers of driving.

Making a call while waiting at a traffic light might seem convenient, but it still diverts your attention from the road and other vehicles. Using speed dial could allow for quicker access but does not fully address the distraction, as your attention is still partially engaged with your phone rather than the driving environment. Having a passenger make the call could help, but it can still lead to distraction for you as the driver, potentially causing you to miss important cues in traffic. Therefore, pulling over ensures safety for you, your passengers, and others on the road.