A bill signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval on May 15 is designed to protect Nevada Department of Transportation workers.

It takes effect July 1.

Motorists must move into the far lane when passing NDOT workers. Look for the agency vehicles’ flashing amber lights as a warning. California has a similar law.

This law already pertains to law enforcement. It is a misdemeanor to violate the law.

There have been 24 NDOT employees who have been killed in the line of duty since 1948. The most recent NDOT employee to die was Ron Raiche Jr., who was struck and killed by an inattentive driver on March 30, 2015, while repairing roadway cracking on Interstate 80 near Battle Mountain.