Kingsport PD reports rise in drivers failing to yield to emergency traffic [Video]

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Kingsport police leaders claim drivers are failing to move over for emergency traffic, and the trend is impacting response times.

Corporal Brandon Johnson told News Channel 11 that no accidents have occurred yet, but the problem has led to several “close calls.”

Judge increases bond for Carter Co. murder suspect, girlfriend

“We’re running lights and sirens, and vehicles are either not getting out of the way or they’re they’re shifting over into the left lane, kind of blocking what we need to to get to a call properly or safely,” Johnson said.

According to the Kingsport Police Department (KPD), response time has increased by about 45 seconds over the last decade. In January 2014, the average response time was about five minutes and 30 seconds; this January it was around six minutes and 45 seconds.

Other first responders said they’ve encountered traffic while responding to an emergency.

“We’ve actually been on scenes working accidents, and …