DEWITT, N.Y. -- Drivers along Interstate 481 will see more than the name.

"He or she will be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made by someone performing their duties," DOT Regional Director Kevin Bush said.

It's a sacrifice that took the life of Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles. Almost 12 years ago, Searles was killed when he was trying to help a driver stranded on the side of the highway, part of which will forever bear his name, on the Glenn Searles Memorial Bridge.

"Nothing will every replace the loss we have felt, but this sign will keep Glenn's memory alive," Searles' father Gary said.

Searles' memory, and name, also live on in a 2011 New York Law. The Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act requires drivers to slow down and try to move over when an emergency car is on the side of the highway. Officials said it's making a difference.

"I think it's made a significant difference on the highways," DOT Public Information Officer Gene Cilento said. "I was talking to some troopers beforehand and they were saying that it's made a sizeable increase in safety."

There's still room to improve. A state trooper estimates there's between 50 and 70 percent compliance, and officials hope that number soon rises.

"As the laws evolves and gets stricter and stricter, in regards to emergency vehicles, it's all for the better," Cilento said.

One area to get more people moving over, is to get more people looking ahead instead of down.

"Texting and phones are a big distraction, and we're just going to have to keep enforcing those laws to try to bring those measures down," NYSP Sergeant Kevin Hargrove said.

Soon drivers will see another reminder to slow down and move over, and a reminder of sacrifice.

The signs will soon be moved to a permanent location along the Interstate-481 north and southbound bridges over the New York State Thruway.