According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), red-light running is a serious intersection safety issue across the United States. In fact, the NHTSA or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2008, the last year of available data, there were over 2.3 million reported crashes that were intersection-related, resulting in nearly 733,000 injury crashes and more than 7,770 fatalities.
In an effort to raise the public’s awareness of the tragic consequences when drivers run through red lights, the FHWA has declared Aug. 5-11 National Stop on Red Week. Since the annual national campaign began in 1995, communities that offer activities to raise the awareness have seen an average decrease in red-light running of 15%.
Pedestrians are often the victims of accidents when drivers run red lights. Our Treasure Coast accident attorneys have previously reported that Florida pedestrians are at greater risk of being struck by a vehicle than pedestrians in any other state. Encouraging all drivers to stay alert at intersections and to obey the light system is critical for keeping pedestrians safe on our roadways.
Some of the activities the FHWA encourage state and local law enforcement and agencies to implement during National Stop on Red Week include:
- Holding a press conference to announce national and statewide statistics around red-light-running.
- Motivating drivers to sign a pledge to stop running red lights.
- Encouraging radio and TV stations to promote National Stop on Red week.
- Hang stop red-light-running posters at schools, local businesses, and other high-visibility areas.
Our South Florida car accident attorneys encourage all drivers to focus on keeping our roadways safe. Obeying stop signs and stoplights is just one way to help prevent accidents and serious injuries. We also encourage all parents to share this information with their teen drivers.
About Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney
Since 1975, the law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, has provided compassionate and professional legal assistance to personal injury and accident victims in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Among the firm’s practice areas are car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, product liability, dog bite injuries, swimming pool accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims.
Our law firm represents victims of various forms of accidents across South Florida, including Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Stuart, Okeechobee, Vero Beach and Palm Beach, and throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Call 1-800-299-8878 now to speak with a knowledgeable Florida car accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
