AAA, first responders remind drivers to move over for cars on roadside for National Move Over Day

CHICAGO (WLS) -- AAA and the Illinois Broadcasters Association held a press conference Wednesday to educate motorists on National Move Over Awareness Day.

The point of the campaign is to urge drivers to move over when they see construction cones or emergency lights to protect stranded motorists, emergency responders, tow truck operators and all other motorists pulled over on the side of roadways.

AAA was joined by the Auto Club Group, IBA, Illinois State Police and the Chicago Fire Department at the AAA Chicago fleet garage, 613 Union Avenue.

National Move Over Awareness Day will be on Saturday.

"Scott's Law" applies to all vehicles that display flashing emergency lights. Drivers have to move over or slow down, or they have to pay a hefty fine.

There have been 17 "Scott's Law" crashes this year, according to Illinois State Police. These crashes involve emergency personnel being hit by drivers that did not pull over on the roadways.

About 200 roadside workers lose their lives on the side of the road each year and hundreds more are injured according to AAA. Tow truck drivers that arrive to help are also at high risk. It's one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.