Every time you run a red light, lives are put at risk. It's a split-second decision that can shatter families and devastate communities.
That's why National Stop on Red Week 2023 is vital. This week-long annual event reminds us of the catastrophic consequences of reckless driving. According to reports from IIHS, 1,109 lives were lost, and 127,000 were injured in 2021 due to crashes involving red light running.
Whether T-bone collisions or rear-end crashes, various types of traffic collisions occur, and the consequences of disregarding red lights are often tragic. Let's remember that our choices on the road affect not only our loved ones but someone else's too.
What Is Stop on Red Week?
Stop On Red Week is a special week dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of traffic collisions and the importance of stopping at red lights.
It was started by the Federal Highway Administration in 1995 to encourage drivers to obey traffic laws and prioritize road safety. This event is a nationwide reminder that stopping at red lights isn't just about avoiding a ticket but protecting lives.
When Is Stop on Red Week?
Stop On Red Week is typically observed during the first week of August each year. In 2023, the campaign is expected to occur from August 6 to August 12.
Some ways to observe Stop on Red Week are:
- Share on social media: Spread awareness with informative posts and graphics on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Engage in community outreach: Organize or participate in local events and educational sessions. Distribute flyers, or host interactive activities to promote safe driving practices.
- Documentary screening: Host a screening of a car safety documentary to educate the community about road safety during Stop on Red Week.
Why Is Stop on Red Week Important?
Below are some key reasons why Stop on Red Week is a crucial initiative:
It Reinforces the Importance of Traffic Signals
We've all been in situations where we're running late and tempted to just breeze through that red light, but it's important to remember that those lights are there for a reason. They keep us safe by organizing the chaos of busy intersections. Stop On Red Week reminds drivers and pedestrians about the importance of traffic signals and the consequences of ignoring them.
It Encourages Responsible Driving and Avoiding Recklessness
Stop on Red Week educates everyone about the dangers of running red lights – motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. It promotes careful and responsible driving. Although waiting at a red light can be frustrating, imagine the chaos if everyone disregarded them and drove through intersections without stopping!
It Reinstitutes Compliance With Traffic Regulations
Stop On Red Week is a heartfelt reminder of traffic rules' importance. It's not just about knowing signs and limits; it's about understanding why they exist – to protect lives and prevent accidents. By following these laws, we create a safer environment for everyone on the road – ourselves, fellow drivers, and pedestrians alike.
Why Do We Stop on Red?
We stop on red because it's crucial for our safety. When seeing a red light, we must come to a complete stop. It ensures the safety of other drivers and pedestrians who may need to cross the road or navigate the intersection. So, when encountering a red signal, slow down and stop until it turns green.
Statistics of Running Red Lights, Accidents at Intersections, and Distracted Driving
The latest reports by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that in 2021, an estimated 1,109 deaths resulted from red-light running. In 2020 alone, 928 fatalities and an estimated 115,741 injuries occurred due to red-light running crashes. Pedestrians, cyclists, and bystanders accounted for approximately half of the fatalities.
Moreover, intersections are particularly hazardous, with over 50% of injuries and fatalities occurring in or near an intersection. In 2020, the Federal Highway Administration recorded 10,626 intersection-related traffic fatalities.
Meanwhile, the prevalence and dangers of distracted driving warrant our attention. NHTSA reports that in 2020, motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers claimed the lives of 3,142 individuals, and an additional 3,522 lives were lost in 2021.
History of the Stop Light and Traffic Signals
The following dates highlight some significant milestones in the history of stop lights and traffic signals.
1868: The world's first traffic signal was installed near the British Houses of Parliament in London. It was a gas-lit device that featured semaphores and required an operator to control it manually.
1914: The first electric traffic signal was installed in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. It featured red and green lights and was operated using a switch by a police officer.
1920: William Potts, a Detroit policeman, invented the first four-way, three-lensed automatic traffic lights with yellow signals. Detroit became the first city to implement these lights.
1923: Garrett A. Morgan, an African-American inventor, patented the three-position electric traffic signal. It added an amber (yellow) light, providing a clear warning before the signal changed from green to red.
With the rise of computerized systems in the 1960s and beyond, intelligent and adaptive traffic signal systems have been developed. These systems optimize traffic flow based on real-time data, reducing congestion and improving efficiency.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as using phones, eating, adjusting entertainment systems, etc.
This behavior impacts thousands of Americans annually, with approximately 3,000 lives lost in auto accidents due to distracted driving each year. The risk is particularly pronounced for teen drivers aged 16 to 19, as indicated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
National Stop on Red Week is vital to reinforce our commitment to prioritize safety, put down our distractions, and join the movement to stop distracted driving.
Dangers of Running a Red Light
1. It Could Lead to a Catastrophic Collision
Running a red light increases the risk of causing a catastrophic accident. Disregarding the signal puts not only your life but also the lives of innocent pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers in grave peril. The impact of such accidents can result in life-altering injuries or even fatalities.
2. Disregarding Traffic Signals Is a Crime
Understand that running a red light is not just a traffic violation but a crime. Law enforcement agencies treat this offense seriously due to its life-threatening nature. If caught, you may face fines, points on your record, or even lose your driving privileges.
3. Your Insurance Will Have to Cover the Damages
Running a red light puts a heavy financial burden on your shoulders. Your insurance pays for damages like vehicle repairs, medical bills, and property damage. The costs add up fast, putting you at risk of financial distress.
4. Risking Insurance Coverage
Running a red light can lead to insurance cancellation or a significant increase in premiums. Insurance companies consider reckless driving high-risk and may substantially drop your coverage or raise rates. This worsens the financial consequences and makes finding affordable coverage difficult in the future.
5. Endangering Life and Property
The most significant toll is the risk of loss of life or serious injuries. Every decision we make behind the wheel affects not just ourselves but countless others on the road.
Penalties for Running a Red Light
State penalties for running red lights and stop signs vary depending on the local laws and jurisdictions. But common penalties include a traffic ticket accompanied by fines, demerit points on the driver's license, or jail time. Sometimes, attending traffic school is an option to avoid red-light ticket consequences. Penalties may escalate to license suspension or criminal charges in severe cases, like accidents or fatalities.<//p>
Excuses/Causes for Running a Red Light
- Distraction while driving: Distractions such as using a mobile phone, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers, can cause drivers to miss the red light signal.
- Impatient drivers: Impatient drivers may ignore the red light to save time, especially in heavy traffic or when facing multiple red lights in quick succession.
- Misjudgment at the intersection: Sometimes, drivers misjudge the timing of the traffic light and attempt to cross the intersection before it turns red, leading to running the red light accidentally.
- When Stopping Poses a Risk: Drivers sometimes run red lights if they're too close to the intersection and can't stop safely. They fear the car behind might hit them if they suddenly stop.
- Intoxication: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and reaction times, leading to running red lights.
Safe Driving Tips for Crossing Intersections
Tips for Drivers:
- Keep your phone away while driving to stay focused on the road.
- Take your time when the light turns green, look both ways, and proceed cautiously.
- As you approach an intersection, be ready to brake if needed.
- Be prepared for a red light and start slowing down in advance.
Tips for Cyclists and Pedestrians:
- Ensure drivers see you by making eye contact before crossing the road.
- Avoid using headphones to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Only cross the intersection when every car has completely stopped.
Final Words
Join us in honoring National Stop on Red Week from August 6-12. Make a pledge to uphold road safety by always stopping at red lights. Share your commitment on social media, educate your community, and help us spread the message that every second counts. Your decision to stop can save lives.
Don't let impatience or distraction take the wheel. Embrace safety, stop on red, and share this vital message today. #StopOnRed2023 #DriveSafe
