New York state’s “Move Over Law” has been on the books for nearly 15 years. It requires drivers to be extra cautious when approaching an emergency or hazard vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road with its emergency lights on.

Drivers are expected to move one full lane away from the stopped vehicle. If it is not possible to do so safely, then the driver must reduce speed as it approaches the stopped vehicle.

Specifically, the Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for police and emergency vehicles — including ambulance workers and firefighters, hazard vehicles like tow trucks that display amber lights, roadway construction crews, roadway maintenance crews, and sanitation vehicles.

Earlier this week, our region mourned the loss of a State Thruway Authority maintenance worker from Eden who was struck by a motorist from Ohio near the Silver Creek exit in the westbound lanes. Though State Police have not charged the driver involved, there’s no question the state and Thruway Authority can do more to educate drivers more.

“It cannot be emphasized enough that the men and women who work along the roadway are real people with families that they want to go home safe to each day. New York Move Over Law requires drivers to be alert, slow down and safely move over for all stopped vehicles on the side of the road,” said Mark Hoare, Thruway Authority executive director. “There is no reason for endangering lives.”

What Hoare and the Thruway Authority have done since the incident is increase signage about the law along Interstate 90 that includes the use of the digital message boards. That is a proactive step.

Drivers today are more distracted than ever. That’s a major part of the problem — and some just have trouble slowing down. But there’s nothing wrong with additional reminders on state highways regarding the importance of the law that aims to keep those responders and workers safe.