According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the American Trauma Society (ATS), two of three Americans see other drivers run red-lights almost every day.
To counteract this startling statistic, DOT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) encourages States and communities to raise awareness of this dangerous and costly problem by implementing “Stop Red-Light Running” campaigns.
The survey, which polled 800 licensed drivers between the ages of 18 and 65, also found that: Ninety-six percent of Americans fear a red-light-runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in three Americans 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 killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 21 percent said they feel that drunk driving incidents are decreasing, but only 6 percent felt that incidents of red-light running were decreasing.
The survey also asked drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red-lights. The response—60 percent—was that they were in a hurry.
Police officers all over this area are cracking down on the people who run red lights. They’re the cause of more and more serious crashes every day. According to information published in the most recent Wisconsin Crash Facts, drivers that disregarded signals accounted for 4,379 crashes of which there were 1,942 injury accidents and 30 fatalities. In partnership with the FHWA, the Elkhorn Police Department will be participating in the ―National Stop on Red Week, which runs Aug. 4 to 10, and directing traffic enforcement efforts at signalized intersections. The Elkhorn Police Department reminds motorists of the dangers created by drivers that run a red light and urge motorists to focus on defensive driving and always buckle up. The Elkhorn Police Department suggests the following five tips for drivers to navigate intersections more safely:
When a light turns yellow/amber, drivers should slow down to make a complete stop. Drivers must stop completely before turning right on red.
Drivers should scan intersections when approaching, even if the light is green.
Yield to pedestrians, who may be using a nearby crosswalk.
Resist the lure of ―beating the light.‖ The time saved by avoiding a red light is not worth the potential repercussion of an auto crash or violation.f you are the first car at a red light, don’t rush into the intersection when the light changes. Take an extra look to make sure traffic with the red light has completely stopped, before proceeding into the intersection.
A safety message from the Federal Highway Administration and the Elkhorn Police Department.
