Stop on Red Week 2020

National Stop on Red Week runs from August 2-8. It is a campaign that aims to raise awareness of drivers running red lights, which is a dangerous form of reckless driving. The fact is that injuries and deaths caused by red-light running are totally preventable. The Stop on Red initiative, organized by the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) (created by the Federal Highway Administration), is intended to protect families and communities from red-light runners.

Red-Light Running Statistics

Drivers who run red lights were responsible for an estimated 11,877 crash-related deaths between 2004 and 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There were 846 people killed in 2018 alone, when an estimated 139,000 people were injured in crashes related to a red light accident. The NHTSA also estimated that over 3.5 million drivers ran red lights in 2019, which is often a product of distracted driving or aggressive driving behavior.

Importance of Red Light Cameras

The red light camera has proven to be an important life-saving tool. While some opponents claim a violation of privacy, cameras at intersections are intended to promote safe driving and deter dangerous driving behavior. In fact, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety found a 21% drop in the rate of fatal red-light running crashes in large cities. It also discovered the rate of all fatal crashes at signalized intersections fell by 14% when red light cameras are implemented.

How Can You Prevent Car Accidents?

It’s important to follow the law, as rules for driving and intersection safety are in place for a reason. The following driving safety tips can prevent accidents at red lights during Stop the Red Week and all year long.

• Always stop on red: California is among the most dangerous states when it comes to red-light running. It doesn’t only put drivers at risk. Victims are often car passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. By reducing your speed and coming to a full stop on red, you dramatically cut the risk of a collision.

• Intersection safety: Always be prepared to stop at an intersection. When you approach any intersection, exercise caution and stay alert. Impatient driving can cause a car crash. Before you accelerate after stopping, look both ways; defensive driving can save lives.

• Know the times of greatest accident risk: Red light violations occur most often during times of high traffic. Friday was, on average, the deadliest day in 2019 for red-light running. Many violations occur from mid- to late-afternoon.

• Learn more about Stop on Red Week: The NCSR has launched a website to inform drivers about Stop on Red Week, show why it’s important to avoid a red-light running traffic violation, and promote overall street and highway safety. Learn more at the National Coalition for Safer Roads website.

What to Do If You Are in a Red-Light Car Accident

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, deaths caused by red-light running hit a 10-year high in 2019. If you are in a red light or any other transportation accident, survey the scene, get medical attention, and get a police report. Also, contact a personal injury attorney to review your claim. With the proper legal representation, you can file a lawsuit that can get you compensated for injuries, lost work, and other effects of a red-light running accident.

Contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani

We are an experienced personal injury law firm in Los Angeles that has recovered millions of dollars in damages for clients in vehicular accidents. Our goal is to fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a red-light accident, call 888-804-6766 to speak with our lawyer for a full case review.