CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A group of Charlotte firefighters learned ways to avoid accidents when heading to emergency calls on a training course Thursday.

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VIDEO: Charlotte firefighters practice against road obstacles

Fire officials say getting to a call is the most dangerous part of their job.

They say problems with driver’s not paying attention and road congestion often hamper their efforts.

"How close is the training to what you really see out on the streets?" asked reporter Blair Miller.

"It's pretty close. It's actually real close because sometimes we'll have cars pull out right in front of us," said firefighter Matt Clayton.

Firefighters say people often don't hear sirens until it's too late because drivers often have car radios turned too loud.