OPP are asking motorists to be more aware as the number of charges laid for failing to move over for emergency vehicles in 2013 was the highest in years.

Police say 1,502 charges were laid against Ontario drivers in 2013, compared to just 1,067 in 2010. That's an increase of 40 per cent.

Chief Superintendent Chuck Cox, new head of the OPP Highway Safety Division, said in a statement, “The OPP would like to see full compliance with this law indicating that drivers are fully on board with helping us keep officers and all other emergency responders safe on the roadside.” 

The law requires drivers to slow down and proceed with caution when passing an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the highway with lights activated, and if there is more than one lane and it can be done safely, to move over.

Violating the law can result in a fine of $400 to $2,000 and three demerit points, and over the last 10 years - since the law came into effect - police have laid more than 11,000 charges.

Officials say since 1989, five OPP officers have been killed, and more injured, after being struck by a vehicle while on the job along a roadside.