If green means go, then why do some drivers still go through intersections when traffic lights turn yellow or even red? Unfortunately, many people are in such a hurry to get to their destinations that they fail to consider the consequences of their actions. Additionally, some people are driving distracted or are impaired and don’t notice the light has changed from yellow to red. As a result, many drivers run red lights and cause unnecessary car accidents and injuries.
Because running red lights continues to be a problem nationwide, it is important to emphasize National Stop on Red Week, which takes place the first week of August. Although it is the law to stop on red, many motorists need to be reminded of how dangerous it is to blow through red lights. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 697 people were killed and about 127,000 people were injured in intersection accidents in 2013 due to red-light running.
Due to these shocking statistics, the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) is raising awareness about the dangers of red-light running through daily messages throughout the week, including:
- The Effects of Red-Light Running. Drivers need to be aware that their actions can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Although Stop on Red Week happens once a year, drivers need to think about the effects of red-light running year round.
- Get the Facts. It’s important to know just how common red-light running is. According to NCSR data, 3.7 million drivers ran a red light in 2014, and the most red-light violations occurred in the afternoon, with the worst day being Friday.
- The Faces of Red-Light Running. Drivers need to realize that they could hurt or kill someone’s husband, wife, mother, or father. Many people have lost their loved ones to a red-light runner, which is why it is critical all drivers stop on red.
- Red-Light Running Fatalities. Between 2004-2013, 7,799 people lost their lives due to red-light runners, according to the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Top 10 Reasons to Stop on Red. Some of the main reasons to stop on red is that red-light running is dangerous and has claimed far too many lives. Find out the other top reasons to stop on red.
- Get Involved and Take the Pledge. By pledging to always stop on red, you can help reduce red-light running in your community.
What’s Next?
Because Stop on Red Week happens once a year, it is important to take this message with you year round. Also, you can spread the word by sharing this information via Facebook or Twitter to help save lives. As accident attorneys who have seen the results of reckless driving, we encourage all drivers to take the pledge and stop at red lights every time.
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