MID-HUDSON – Ulster County Sheriff Paul VanBlarcum and Orange County Sheriff Carl DuBois remind drivers that a new state law designed to protect law enforcement, fire personnel and emergency workers takes effect on January 1, 2011.

The law requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a parked authorized emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing.

The Ambrose-Searles “Move Over” Act honors the memory of State Trooper Robert Ambrose and Onondaga County Glenn Searles, who lost their lives while serving the public.

The law obligates drivers to move over to the lane that is farthest from where the emergency vehicle is pulled over. On single lane roads, drivers are required to slow down and take care to pass emergency vehicles at a safe distance. Violators will face fines and points charged against their driver’s license.