VIDEO: First responders are trying to get your attention on the road to save time in an emergency.
Statewide and in counties throughout the Triangle area, there has been an increase of drivers facing misdemeanor charges for failing to yield to emergency vehicles, according to the State Administrative Office of the Courts’ annual reports dating back to 2018. "It's an epidemic,” said Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos. “People are distracted in their cars.
“They're not driving 1960s cars, which sirens easily penetrate. The cars are very soundproofed, and there's a lot in there to distract them."
Zoldos said the Durham Fire Department has maximized the lighting footprint on large trucks and added new sirens. It's the smaller squad trucks and chiefs' vehicles, which are harder to see, that are getting stuck on the roads.