Nashville, Tennessee --- Governor Phil Bredesen, state lawmakers, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Tennessee Department of Safety, the Nashville Metro Police Department and more than a dozen other law enforcement agencies, along with the Tennessee Tow Truck Association, and AAA AutoClub South are joining forces for a statewide educational effort aimed at reminding drivers about the state's MOVE OVER law.

"The implementation of the Move Over law will go a long way in improving the public safety of our roadways by protecting stranded motorists and the emergency responders assisting them," said Bredesen. "It's very important for drivers who are approaching a stopped emergency responder of any kind on a highway or interstate to move over if a lane is available, or to slow down if you cannot change lanes. You can help save lives by following these simple instructions."

The MOVE OVER campaign was kicked off today with five simultaneous news conferences around the state, including events in Bristol, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville. State Representative Joe Fowlkes attended the event in Nashville and talked about the importance of the enforcing law he helped pass. The law took effect in July of 2004, but all agencies involved in the new effort agreed it is time to remind drivers about the need to MOVE OVER.

"If you don't abide by this law, you may get a $50 ticket, but even worse, you may kill someone," stated House Judiciary Chairman Joe Fowlkes, who helped sponsor the law. "This law protects all highway emergency responders. Please obey the law. Move Over and respect these workers and the people they are trying to assist."

"It was my hope in sponsoring the legislation that all motorists would become more aware and cautious of our law enforcement officers while they are performing their very important duties of protecting the citizens of Tennessee," said Senator Jerry Cooper.

As part of this effort, TDOT's Governor's Highway Safety Office has arranged for broadcast radio spots featuring Governor Bredesen to be played on radio stations around the state. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Nashville Metro Police Department and more than a dozen other law enforcement agencies will boost enforcement of the law for the period of August 29 through September 10.

"The senseless death of Metro Officer Christy Dedman, who was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while assisting a stranded motorist on I-40 in July 2004, dramatically demonstrates the absolute necessity of the MOVE OVER law," Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas said. "Yet even today, non-compliance poses a significant risk to our officers. That's why I wrote Commissioner Nicely in June asking for signage on Nashville's interstate system to clearly remind drivers to MOVE OVER for public safety vehicles."

"We thought Chief Serpas' idea was excellent. We decided to go even further and take the Move Over sign program statewide, add an education communications component and ask our partners at the Department of Safety and other law enforcement agencies if they would agree to step up enforcement of the MOVE OVER law," added TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. "TDOT had a maintenance worker killed while on duty in Hardeman County this summer. Our HELP truck workers risk their lives everyday. All of these people are covered by this law."

TDOT has placed initial MOVE OVER signs in each of the five news conference cities already, but the department will erect approximately 50 signs on interstates and highways throughout Tennessee later this fall. Also, TDOT SmartWay overhead dynamic message boards on interstates in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis will display MOVE OVER information for drivers during a limited period of time.

"Enforcement will make the difference in educating motorists on the importance of this law," said the Department of Safety Commissioner, Fred Phillips. "This summer, THP lost one of its own, Trooper Todd Larkins, who was hit by a truck while making a routine traffic stop in Dickson County. Tragedies like this one change families forever, and if we can spare others the heartbreak that the Larkins family has had to endure, it will be well worth the effort."

Commissioner Phillips wants to remind Tennessee's drivers that there are thousands of law enforcement officers who need to be protected while they work to keep motorists safe on the state's highways and interstates. TDOT has 70 HELP truck operators performing emergency highway response duties in the four major urban areas who are protected by the law, as are the department's 1,590 highway maintenance workers. Tow truck operators are also covered by the MOVE OVER law.

"I was actually hit by a car while working on the side of the highway this summer and am still recovering from serious injuries," said Jerry Riggs, President, Tennessee Tow Truck Association. "We appreciate the fact that tow truck operators are covered by the law, but hope that eventually the fine for drivers who don't obey the law will be raised."

"Tennessee is the 30th state to enact a MOVE OVER law," said Randy Bly, spokesman for AAA Auto Club South. "The laws protect emergency workers but also, indirectly, the drivers who are broken down. Breakdowns can be very dangerous for everyone involved if other drivers are not paying attention. It's not the time to focus on how you're being inconvenienced. If you're just passing by, the best thing you can do for yourself, stranded motorists and those helping them is to MOVE OVER."

Sample signs can be found along interstates at the following locations:

• I-40 west entering Knoxville city Limits
• I-81 south, Sullivan Co., mile marker 74.19, near Virginia state line
• I-75 northbound in Chattanooga near Georgia state line
• I-40 east Davidson Co., near mile marker 217, near Officer Dedman accident site
• I-40 west Davidson Co., near mile marker 222, near Officer Dedman accident site
• I-40 west, Williamson Co., near mile marker 184, near Trooper Larkin accident site
• I-40 east, Dickson Co., mile marker, 173, near Trooper Larkin accident site
• I-40 west in advance of I-40/State Route 240 interchange in east Memphis

To view the MOVE OVER law, House Bill Number 1023, go http://tennessee.gov/sos/acts/103/pub/pc0384.pdf. To hear the Governor's radio announcement and to view other related materials go to the TDOT web site at www.tennessee.gov/tdot and enter the media room.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.