North Carolina: First responders need drivers to obey the law

Responding to emergencies daily is like an obstacle course for EMS and fire crews because drivers don't always move over. After just three ride-alongs with first responders, News 13 has video to prove that many drivers need a reminder of the rules of the road.

The problem is response times are being affected by drivers in the path of emergency crews not adhering to the law. "Not only are we trying to get there as quickly as possible to help someone, but we're also trying to do that safely," Justin Pritchard, a paramedic with Buncombe County EMS, said. "We really try to be patient. It can be frustrating."

What crews are seeing is the person behind the wheel might see or hear the flashing blue or red lights, but they aren't sure what to do and panic.

"By law, you're supposed to yield and go right, but that's not to say we don't have people going left and right. Sometimes it's just scattered. You just have to pick the best path and just try to navigate through that," Pritchard said. "You'll see that quick tap of the brakes in front of you and then they'll get out of the way where they'll just sort of hesitate."

That hesitation adds seconds onto their response time and sometimes seconds can be a matter of life or death.

"For every minute that passes from the time a person's heart stops, there's a 10% drop in survivability for that patient," Pritchard said.

In North Carolina, not moving over for approaching emergency vehicles could land you a fine of more than $100 for failing to yield. Getting out of the way keeps everyone safe, including surrounding drivers.

"If you end up with another accident, that only compounds the problem," Jerry VeHaun, the emergency services director in Buncombe County, said. "They you have to send more guys out and then it becomes a mess."

If that fine doesn't scare drivers, then knowing how much they're affecting first responders and those with an emergency should.