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Distracted Drivers Becoming More Problematic For Emergency Vehicles As Number Of Calls Increases

(CBS) -- Distracted drivers have always been a problem for firetrucks and ambulances that need cars to get out of the way - but because the Chicago Fire Department's calls have being going up, the department says those distracted drivers are a bigger problem these days.

The road that leads firefighters to a fire or that leads paramedics to a medical emergency can move much slower than the fire department wants, says Chief Don Hroma, the safety director for the Chicago Fire Department.

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For one thing, firetrucks have gotten bigger and the roads have stayed the same size.

"Our call volume has gone up. And personal vehicles - they've made those sound-free, where they don't pick up any road noise. So people don't hear our sirens. They don't hear our horns."

And then there's the distracted driver.

"Yes, people talking on cell phones and being distracted by sending text messages doesn't help our cause."

Chief Hroma says drivers who just won't get out of the way have always been a problem, but he says with the call volume higher, they notice it more.

He says the fire department makes 1800-2200 runs every day, including firetrucks and ambulances.

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