National Stop on Red Week: August 30 - September 5, 2003

Nationally, red light runners cause as many as 219,000 crashes resulting in approximately 1,000 deaths and 181,000 injuries per year. This public safety problem carries a $14 billion price tag for American taxpayers. Further, red light deaths are increasing three times faster than any other roadway fatality.

According to a national survey, as many as 1 in 5 Americans admit to running red lights. Further, ninety-six percent of drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection. In many cities, the yellow light has come to symbolize hurry up instead of slow down and green means "wait" in the minds of cautious motorists. This change in perception has had tragic consequences on our highways.

The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running is working with local red light running prevention advocates and MLB clubs to mark National SORW. During this timeframe, we will be highlighting the red light running problem and effective solutions at three news conferences in Phoenix, Baltimore and Los Angeles. These will be followed by Stop on Red Night ceremonies with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles and Anaheim Angels, respectively.