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Safe Communities RED LIGHT RUNNER Page

National Stop on Red Week - a week dedicated to educating Americans about the dangers of running red lights – is August 6-12.

What is red light running?
A violation occurs when a motorist deliberately enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red. Motorists inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes to red when waiting to turn, for example, aren't red light runners.

Stop Red Light Running Facts and Statistics
• Each year, more than 1.8 million intersection crashes occur. Of those in 2003, about 206,000 were due to red light running — resulting in about 934 deaths and approximately 176,000 injuries.

• Overall, 55.8 percent of Americans admit to running red lights. Yet ninety-six percent of drivers fear they will get hit by a red light runner when they enter an intersection.

• This campaign's safety message is clear to everyone: red light running is the leading cause of urban crashes today.

• One in three people claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red-light-running crash — similar to the percentage of people who know someone who was killed or injured by a drunk driver.

• About 21 percent said they felt that drunk driving incidents are decreasing, but only six percent felt that red light running incidents were decreasing.

• Although, social scientists might hypothesize that "frustration" and "road rage" would represent what most people perceived as the cause of red light running, the results proved otherwise. Only 15.8 percent of respondents cited those reasons, while nearly half (47.8) admitted to being prompted by nothing more complicated than being in a hurry.

• Red light runners do not conform to a set demographic - the dangerous practice reaches across drivers of all age, economic groups and gender. The perpetrators are everyday people; professionals, blue-collar workers, unemployed, homemakers, parents, and young adults.

Common Questions and Answers About Traffic Signals
1. Why do people run "red" lights?
For many reasons, such as: they are in a hurry, the signal is poorly timed, the red wait time is too long, limited visibility of traffic signals, and driver inattention or disrespect for traffic signals and laws.

2. What does a "red" light mean?
The meaning varies slightly from State to State. Frequently, as in Ohio, a red light means to come to a complete stop before you reach the intersection, stop line or crosswalk. Remain stopped as long as the light is red unless turns are allowed on red.

3. When may you turn on red?
You may turn right on a red light only after coming to a full stop unless a posted sign states "no turn on red."

4. What does a "yellow" light mean?
The meaning varies slightly from State to State. Frequently, as in Ohio, a steady yellow light or arrow warns that the light is about to change. If you have not entered the intersection, you should come to a stop, if you can do so safely. If you are already in the intersection, you should continue moving in order to clear it. Speeding up to beat the red light could cause a crash.
Be aware that entering an intersection while the light is yellow is also illegal. A yellow light only allows traffic already in the intersection to proceed.

5. What does a "flashing yellow light" mean?
The flashing yellow light means "Warning: Proceed with Caution."

6. What does a "flashing red light" mean?
The flashing red light should be treated as a STOP sign. Driver should come to a complete stop, then proceed when it is clear.

7. Does a driver have to signal when stopping or turning?
Yes, a driver must give a signal when stopping or turning. The signal may be a mechanically or electrically operated signal or a hand/arm signal given by the driver. Signals should be given at least 100 feet ahead of the turning point.

8. What if the traffic lights aren’t working due to a power failure?
Traffic control lights that aren’t working should be treated like a four way stop. All vehicles in all directions must come to a complete stop at the light. Common courtesy applies to who may then proceed.

PICTURES FROM LAST YEAR OF RED LIGHT RUNNERS