Report Details Red-Light Running Trends

Something to keep in mind as Americans make plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, this weekend last year was the holiday period with the most red-light running violations. This and other data were published by National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) in its biannual publication, Safer Roads Report 2014: Trends in Red-Light Running. Examining trends across 20 states, the report is designed to help raise driver awareness of the dangers of red-light running. Intersection-related vehicle crashes caused more than 8,500 casualties in 2011 (the most recent year for which data are available), NHTSA data show.

Other data from the NCSR report include:
*Halloween had the lowest number of red-light running violations in 2013.
*Friday was the worst day for intersection safety last year, while Sunday had the least number of violations.
*Drivers most often ran red lights in the afternoon--30% of violations occurred between 1 pm and 5 pm.

"By highlighting the data and trends around red-light running, we hope to educate the public on the dangers of running red lights," says NCSR's David Kelly. "The information in the report reveals when we are most vulnerable on the road and reminds everyone to stay alert and safe near intersections."