Gov. Frank Murkowski has signed legislation designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops in Alaska.

The new law requires drivers to reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with its lights flashing.

It also specifies that drivers must merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle. On two-lane highways, drivers must slow down on approach before passing the emergency vehicle.

“This bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate,” Murkowski said in a statement about HB438. “It is aimed at reducing the risk of emergency responders being hit by other drivers when they are doing their jobs.”

Violators could be fined up to $10,000 and/or sentenced to a year in prison, if anyone is injured as a result of the driver’s failure to take action.