National Coalition for Safer Roads Recognizes National Stop on Red Week

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) will recognize National Stop on Red Week (August 3-9, 2014) by promoting safe driving and raising awareness about the dangers of red-light running. Beginning this Sunday, NCSR will partner with communities across the country on daily activities to educate the public about the importance of stopping at red lights.

In order to raise awareness, NCSR is sharing information about the behaviors of red-light runners and the technology available to improve these behaviors. Red-light safety cameras are a critical tool in improving driver behavior and reducing red-light running. Nationwide, 89 percent of drivers who received a ticket issued by a red-light safety camera in 2013 have not received another. Not only are the cameras penalizing red-light runners for their reckless behavior, they are keeping these drivers from committing the same dangerous acts again. The following states have seen a significant change in driver behavior.

The percentages listed below, known as recidivism rates, represent the people in each state who have positively changed their driving behavior and have not received another ticket after their first red-light safety camera violation*.

• Alabama: 95%
• Arizona: 97%
• California: 99%
• Colorado: 98%
• Delaware: 98%
• Florida: 88%
• Georgia: 98%
• Illinois: 98%
• Louisiana: 92%
• Maryland: 92%
• Missouri: 91%
• North Carolina: 95%
• New Jersey: 89%
• New York: 81%
• Ohio: 94%
• Pennsylvania: 91%
• Tennessee: 96%
• Texas: 91%
• Virginia: 98%
• Washington: 97%

"During Stop on Red Week, it's important to raise awareness not only about the dangers of red-light running but also the solutions available to curb this reckless driving behavior," says NCSR Executive Director David Kelly. "Red-light safety cameras are making a difference on our roadways and our data on recidivism rates proves it."

"Red-light running is a significant issue in the United States," says NCSR President Melissa Wandall. "No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one due to the careless decision to speed through a red light. This week and always, we encourage drivers everywhere to stop on red."

Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.

For more information, visit www.StopOnRedWeek.org.

The National Coalition for Safer Roads helps save lives and protect communities by demonstrating how red-light safety cameras can improve driver behavior. NCSR brings together policymakers, community leaders and concerned citizens in support of red-light safety cameras, advocating for their use in cities and communities across the country. The National Coalition for Safer Roads is a 501 (c)(6) industry trade association. To learn more, please visit www.NCSRsafety.org, follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA

*Data was collected for American Traffic Solutions red-light safety cameras operational in 20 states.

SOURCE National Coalition for Safer Roads