There’s one booth at the Chicago Auto Show that has nothing to do with cup holders or slick new features - it’s a statewide, team effort to drive home a message that the expanded "Move Over Law" in Illinois needs public support.
The Illinois State Police are back at the auto show, but with a new purpose and digital pledge, working with the Illinois Tollway Authority on a "Give Them Distance" campaign.
"We want to work with everyone who comes here to the auto show to have them go to givethemdistance.com and take the pledge to move over for any flashing lights, any emergency situation on the side of the roadway," said Greg Bedalov, the executive director of the Illinois Tollway Authority.
A tollway maintenance worker was killed on the shoulder of the Tri-State last year, and authorities said state troopers face the same mortal danger during traffic stops.
This social media pledge to "move over" is in the middle of the sleek showroom, designed to let state troopers know that Illinois drivers care.
"Nothing’s more important than the backing of the community, especially the motorists who drive on the state highways and tollways every day," ISP Trooper David Roman said.
"The pledge means a lot, it means a lot that people are behind us," he added.
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"This year, more than ever, we need people to be safe out there," Bedalov said.
The goal of this campaign is to get one million pledges. To show your support, you can sign the pledge here.
