NASHVILLE - Some lawmakers are trying to raise fines for violating Tennessee's "move over," traffic law from $50 to as much as $500.

And the state trucking association is working to raise public awareness of the law, which was enacted in 2004 to improve safety for emergency workers.

The law requires drivers to move over a lane if there are police, emergency or service vehicles on the shoulder of the road. If drivers cannot safely move over, they are required to slow down until they pass the site.

"This law shows respect for those folks out there who are giving their all to serve the public," Col. Mike Walker of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said Wednesday.

Two law enforcement officers and a state Department of Transportation worker have been killed while working on the highways since the law took effect, he said.

At a news conference at the Tennessee Department of Safety Training Center, Walker credited lawmakers for trying to impose a tougher penalty for violators.

The bills introduced by Sen. Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, and Rep. Joe Fowlkes, D-Cornersville, would set the minimum fine for violations at $100, ranging up to $500.

Walker said there were 340 motorists ticketed for violating the law last year.

Representatives from the Tennessee Trucking Association explained what some of its members are doing to raise awareness of the law.

Nashville-based M-S Logistics is putting signs on its trailers touting the law. Association official Doug Cook, of Chattanooga-based Covenant Transport, said his company is promoting the law in messages in its facilities and on a company television network.

Dennis Bailey of Wal-Mart said posters explaining the law are being displayed in the retailer's Tennessee stores.

Bailey said Alicia Larkins, widow of Highway Patrol Trooper Todd Larkins, called him and asked for his help in raising awareness. Todd Larkins was struck and killed by a truck last year as he worked alongside Interstate 40 in Dickson County.

Alicia Larkins said obeying the law can prevent others from suffering as her family has.

"This should be common respect and courtesy. It shouldn't have to be a law," she said.

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