West Virginia drivers have known for years that when they see an emergency or other vehicle at the side of the road with flashing lights, they are to move over and slow down. Starting at the end of last week, that law is even clearer about what is expected in such situations.

Road maintenance workers are now also part of the law, which requires drivers approaching first responders or other vehicles stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing to move over one lane if possible, and to reduce their speed if not.

“While AAA has been instrumental in getting Move Over laws passed in all 50 states, we have now been going back to strengthen those laws because they’re not always all inclusive,” AAA Bluegrass Public Affairs Manager Lori Weaver Hawkins said in a news release. “That was the case we found here in West Virginia, where the law covered first responders, but not those road maintenance workers. It also didn’t cover stranded motorists.”

That should bring some reassurance to motorists stuck in broken down vehicles or with a flat tire; or workers just trying to do their jobs in potentially dangerous circumstances. But the law only works if people pay attention and obey it.

Failure to follow the rules could result in a fine of up to $500 — maybe even up to 60 days in jail. But those should be the least of the reasons for drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their focus on safely operating their vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 450 people were killed in 2022 in the U.S. while they were dealing with a disabled vehicle. Recent examples right here in West Virginia reminds us of the risks road maintenance workers take simply by being on the job site, too.

Switching lanes when it is possible to do so safely, or slowing down significantly when approaching roadside vehicles or workers keeps everyone on the road safer. Though you should already have been doing so, starting today don’t forget: Move over and slow down.