Drivers in St. Lawrence County and throughout New York state must slow down and move over for volunteer emergency vehicles with green or blue flashing lights.

In St. Lawrence County, volunteers run the vast majority of fire and rescue squads.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation expanding New York State's "Move-Over" Law to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

The measure (S.7938/A.8702-A) requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing blue or green lights that are operated by volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers involved in a roadside emergency.

"Our first responders risk their lives day in and day out, often putting their own safety and wellbeing in jeopardy, in order to protect their communities and their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said, “This new law will help ensure that first responders are protected from avoidable hazards when responding to a roadside emergency.”

Previously, the “Move-Over” law only applied to drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with flashing red and white or amber lights.