Most Ohio motorists already understand they are to change lanes if they see an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with flashing lights, on the side of the road.

Now, an effort in the state Senate aims to expand the idea of “move over, slow down” to include disabled vehicles.

According to WDTN, state Sen. Stephen Wilson, R-7th Dist., introduced Senate Bill 178 to amend the law to include stopped vehicles with flashing lights, flares or other indications of a hazard.

While some drivers already do this, Wilson rightly points out that sometimes basic highway manners need a little nudge from the law.

“What seems like a common courtesy for drivers to give space to those along the road, sadly there is a lack of understanding of who that applies to,” he said.

Motorists who don’t move over for emergency or disabled vehicles run the risk of striking them or their occupants — which could prove deadly.

Failure to change lanes and/or proceed with caution upon approaching a stationary vehicle in distress could result in misdemeanor charges, though there are additional fines in the bill if distracted driving is determined to be a contributing factor.

“Making it a practice to move over for everyone at the side of the road, can increase compliance and in turn makes the roads safer,” Wilson said.

Again, it seems like common sense, but lawmakers should consider passing the proposed expansion of the law, anyway.