A practice that is old-hat to truckers is now law in Kentucky. Gov. Paul Patton signed into law a bill designed to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.

Under the new law, drivers are required to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing.

HB15 requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions. It also requires drivers to yield the right-of-way and move toward the edge or curb and stop upon the approach of an emergency vehicle using audible or visual signals.