A practice followed by professional truck drivers for decades would become law under a bill before New York Gov. George Pataki.

The bill, which passed the Senate and Assembly in June, would require drivers in New York to reduce their speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with lights flashing.

S1876 is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.

Violators would be subject to a fine of up to $100 and/or 15 days in jail, as well as 2 points on their license.

“The job of our police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel is hard enough as they put their lives on the line every day in answering the call of duty,” Assemblyman William Magee, D-Nelson, said in a statement. “This bill will help to further protect our first responders by ensuring that motorists drive at a prudent and appropriate reduced speed when approaching and passing an emergency scene.”