SAN BERNARDINO, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> California Highway Patrol and San Bernardino County Sheriff reminds motorists to always obey traffic signals as part of national Stop on Red Week.
The campaign, which is an initiative of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), runs from Sunday, August 7 through Saturday, August 13. It is designed to bring awareness to the dangers of running red lights and other traffic signals that lead to preventable crash related fatalities.
Officers classified red-light running as an aggressive driving behavior, which puts motorists, passengers, and others on the road at an increased risk of a crash everyday.
Nationwide, the NCSR said more than 4.2 million drivers ran red lights in 2021, with more than 1.3 million occurring between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. Additionally, Independence Day weekend was ranked atop the list for red light running during holiday travel periods.
Two people died each day in the United States, on average, in red-light related crashes in 2019, and from 2008 to 2019, there were an estimated 9,227 total fatalities.
As the California Driver’s Manual states, traffic signals are installed at intersections to control the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Below is a brief explanation of the meaning behind the lights on traffic signals:
Red Light
When there is a steady red light, stop before crossing the marked stop line or crosswalk. If you cannot see any lines, stop before entering the intersection. Wait for a green light before you start. You may turn right while the light is red, unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted at the intersection. You must first stop, check for and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
Yellow Light
A steady yellow light indicates a steady red light will soon appear. If you are driving toward an intersection and a yellow light appears, slow down and prepare to stop. If you are within the intersection or cannot stop safely before entering the intersection, continue through carefully.
Green Light
A steady green light means you may drive through the intersection if the road is clear. You may also turn right or left unless a sign tells you not to; however, when turning, you must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians within the intersection.
Safety is the responsibility of everyone — not just during Stop on Red Week, but every day and every time someone takes to the road. Together, we can protect our communities, families, and children by always stopping on red.
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