Sponsored by the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), National Stop on Red Week 2019 is Aug. 4-10. While the focus is on the issue for this week, the Naval Safety Center would like to encourage drivers to be vigilant year-round. Created by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of crashes.

Red light safety cameras are part of a comprehensive effort to improve traffic safety for all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians who use our roads. Even so, it takes individual effort – your effort – to stop the trend. In 2017, 880 people were killed and an estimated 132,000 were injured in crashes that involved red-light running. About half of those killed in red-light crashes are pedestrians, cyclists, and people other than the violator.

The U.S. Department of Transportation found that one in three Americans know someone who has been injured or killed in a red-light running crash. There were 661,055 drivers cited for running red lights on Fridays in 2018, making it the deadliest day for red-light running. Here are 10 good reasons you should NEVER run a red light.

TEN REASONS TO STOP ON RED

1. RED-LIGHT RUNNING CAN BE FATAL.

2. One in three Americans know someone who has been injured or killed in a red-light running crash.

3. From 2004-2016, an estimated 10,125 people were killed in red-light running related crashes.

4. On average, two people die each day in red-light running crashes in the United States.

5. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.

6. In 2017, 132,000 people were injured in crashes caused by red-light running.

7. Over half of the deaths in red-light running crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants in vehicles other than the vehicle running the red light.

8. 93% of drivers say it is unacceptable to go through red lights, yet nearly 43% admitted to doing so in the past 30 days.

9. Crashes involving drivers who run red lights, stop signs, and other traffic controls are the most common type of urban crashes.

10. Red-light running is often a result of aggressive or distracted driving and is completely preventable.

Safety is the responsibility of every driver — not just during Stop on Red Week – but every day and every time someone gets behind the wheel.

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