CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Time spent sitting in traffic after an accident can really add up depending on the situation.

Now, some lawmakers are trying to push through a bill to keep traffic moving on West Virginia's highways.

The new law would give the Division of Highways control over directing traffic two hours after an accident has occurred. The bill is in response to that massive traffic delay on the turnpike last year.

Drivers were stuck in traffic for several hours after two tractor-trailers collided.

The sponsor of the bill hopes it will prevent future tie ups.

"I had several people that were on the road in the Beckley area. That's where I live," said Senator Mike Green (D-Raleigh). "Their biggest complaint was that they would have never gotten on the turnpike if they would have known."

The fire chief still has control over making sure the accident scene is safe.

The bill passed the House Monday morning and now moves on the Senate.