FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL STOP ON RED WEEK

AUGUST 1-7, 2010

In an effort to emphasize the dangers that red light running poses to motorists and pedestrians, the Federal Highway Administration has designated the week of August 1-7, 2010, as Stop on Red Week.

In an effort to emphasize the dangers that red light running poses to motorists and pedestrians, the Federal Highway Administration has designated the week of August 1-7, 2010, as Stop on Red Week. The purpose of this designation is to emphasize the dangers that red light running poses to motorists and pedestrians and to reinforce safe driving behaviors.

“Red light running is a serious problem. We need to continue to educate the public on the consequences of red light running.” said Newport News Police Chief James D. Fox. “Red light crashes occur far too often. Stop on Red Week provides an opportunity to remind drivers just how destructive red light running can be and hopefully help protect our citizens.”

Nationally, there were approximately 170,000 crashes involving 137,000 estimated injuries and 762 deaths in 2008 and, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 percent of drivers do not obey intersection signals. Red light running is the most common cause of all urban crashes and the economic impact of red light running on society is estimated to be $14 billion annually.

The Newport News 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 – an average of 47 seconds – is not worth the potential repercussion of an auto crash or violation.
• If you are the first car at a red light, don’t rush into the intersection when the light changes. Wait an extra few seconds and take an extra look to make sure traffic with the red signal has completely stopped.

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