Get ready to see more brightly colored vests on the roadways. Starting Monday, emergency workers will be required to wear the vests in accordance with a new federal law.

Drivers encounter workers almost every day on the roads and, for safety's sake they need to be seen. That is why everyone from television crews to firefighters who work along most highways will be wearing bright and reflective vests starting Monday.

"It's going to be a requirement throughout the department, so every time our people are out on the roadway, they are going to be required to wear these vests," said Lt. Ken Sagendorph of the Agawam Fire Department.

The vests are not the hottest thing to hit the fashion scene, but they can save your life. Federal regulation 23 CFR 634 will go into effect Nov. 24. Starting then, everyone who works on a federally funded roadway, or any road designated with a number, will have to wear brightly colored vests or jackets, in accordance with federal law.

The Agawam Fire Department just got its shipment of 20 vests Wednesday. Finding the money for the vests was a little tough.

"We had to go outside the box a little bit. There are some federal grants that won't be available until February 2009, but according to the federal government, we have to have them now," Sagendorph said.

Many construction crews and police departments already use the brightly colored, reflective gear under policy. But, in the interest of safety, police officers say they will not be taking any chances.

"There's rubbernecking, and people looking at what's happening on the side of the road. These green outfits and protective clothing are a big help at those sites," Deerfield Police Chief Michael Wozniakewicz said.

Violating the federal mandate could mean a stiff $500 fine, or worse.

"If we're injured or killed while on the roadway without these vests, we could actually have our benefits in jeopardy," Sagendorph said.

But, in the end, most departments agree it is better to be safe than sorry.

Sagendorph says, "We have the red lights and the sirens and the police department, and you can see those from quite a distance. But, now you'll be able to see there are people working in the roadway from a greater distance."

The one exception allowed under the federal law is for police officers who make traffic stops. For them, the vests are optional, because the bright color could make them a target if someone begins to attack.