National Stop on Red Week: Raising Intersection Safety Awareness
National Stop on Red Week occurs during the first week of August and raises awareness about the dangers of intersection crashes. The campaign educates the public on the importance of obeying traffic signals and the role red light crash prevention plays in saving lives. While National Stop on Red Week has come to an end, it remains vital to stay vigilant all year long. This awareness effort offers an ideal opportunity to promote safe driving habits and remind drivers of the life-threatening risks associated with running red lights.
Traffic Control History
The history of traffic control signs underscores how far intersection safety has come. The first stop sign appeared in Detroit in 1915. By 1922, the American Association of State Highway Officials adopted the now-iconic octagon shape, ensuring its distinct recognition. In the late 1920s, the standardized red background became the official color, chosen for its high visibility and universal association with caution and stopping. This shape and color combination made stop signs less likely to be confused with other road signs and gave oncoming drivers a clear, unmistakable message: they must stop.
Why Intersection Safety Matters
Intersections pose significant risk. Drivers running red lights cause tragic crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), In 2023, 1,086 people were killed and more than 136,000 were injured as a result of drivers running red lights. That number is staggering. It includes pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants. Half of the fatalities involve other road users beyond the driver.
These numbers amplify the need for red light crash prevention. Safer infrastructure, smart enforcement, and behavioral change can save lives. That includes strategies like red light cameras, optimized signaling, and public education.
Proven Strategies for Red Light Crash Prevention
1. Red Light Safety Cameras
Red light safety cameras deter violations effectively. IIHS studies show cameras cut fatal red light running crashes by 21% in large cities. They also reduce all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14%. In Oxnard, CA, and Fairfax, VA, studies recorded about a 40% drop in violations after cameras were installed.
Adjusting yellow signal time also helps. Adding about one second to yellow signals reduced violations by 36%. Then adding cameras reduced violations by a further 96% . That demonstrates how combining timing improvements with enforcement multiplies safety gains.
Studies find injury crashes and right-angle collisions declined by up to 29%, and front-into-side injury crashes fell 68%. Even when rear-end collisions rose slightly, they tended to be less serious. Overall, intersection safety improved.
However, when communities disabled camera programs, fatal crash rates rose—30% higher for red light running crashes, and 16% higher for fatal crashes at signalized intersections. That shows consistent enforcement is critical.
During 2024, 333 U.S. communities still had red light safety camera programs. Gaining and maintaining public support is vital. Surveys found two-thirds of drivers in big cities support camera use. In Washington, D.C., support reached 87%. Communities succeed when programs focus on safety, not revenue.
IIHS and safety partners created a checklist for communities launching camera programs. It recommends assessing high-risk intersections, forming advisory committees, ensuring signage, and allocating revenue to safety programs.
2. Signal Timing Improvements
Proper signal timing plays a critical role. Adequate yellow light duration gives drivers time to react. Research supports increasing yellow timing to reduce red light running and all crash types. That reduces both violations and injuries. Communities can pair timing improvements with red light cameras for maximum impact.
Regular evaluation of timing and crash data helps identify needed adjustments. Safety Track can assist agencies in analyzing signal timings and crash hotspots for red light crash prevention.
Enhancing Safety with Driver Behavior Monitoring
Behavior shapes outcomes. Many drivers run red lights due to distraction, haste, or habit. Driver behavior monitoring reveals these unsafe patterns. Telematics collect data on speeding, abrupt stops, and red-light violations. Organizations use this data to coach drivers proactively.
Education and feedback improve compliance over time. Tracking unsafe habits yields measurable reductions in risky maneuvers. That promotes red light crash prevention consistently across fleets and individual drivers.
Safety Track’s tools help analyze behaviors in near-real-time. They alert managers to intersection-related incidents. Enabling timely coaching improves driver behavior and saves lives.
Dash Cams: Bringing Awareness Through Visual Feedback
Dash cams capture real driving situations. They help drivers see especially risky moves near intersections. Drivers reviewing their footage often adjust their behavior. Dash cams provide clarity and create teachable moments.
In case of red light crashes, dash cam footage serves as evidence. It clarifies fault and supports fair resolution. That enhances accountability. Fleet operators and parents trust dash cams for safety and review.
Combining dash cams with driver behavior monitoring deepens learnings. Watching footage reinforces attention and awareness. That contributes to stronger traffic safety awareness overall.
A Systems Approach: Cameras, Monitoring, Education, and Design
No single tool solves intersection safety. Pairing red light cameras, signal timing, behavior monitoring, and dash cams creates a stronger system. Education complements technology well.
Here’s how systems work together:
| Tool/Strategy | Purpose & Benefit |
|---|---|
| Red light safety cameras | Deter violations and reduce crash frequency and severity. |
| Optimized signal timing | Prevent violations by giving drivers enough time to stop. |
| Driver behavior monitoring | Identify risky habits and guide drivers to safer decisions. |
| Dash cams | Provide real footage for awareness and accountability. |
| Public education & outreach | Reinforce safe behavior and support technology measures. |
Safety Track supports this systems approach with integrated digital tools, data dashboards, and training kits to build lasting safety culture.
Real-World Success Stories
Cities that adopted red light cameras and improved timing show sharp crash reductions. Oxnard, CA, cut injury crashes significantly. Front-into-side crashes fell dramatically. When Philadelphia increased yellow time and added cameras, violations dropped by 36% and then by an additional 96%.
When Houston disabled cameras, right-angle crash rates rose 23% . In cities that ended camera programs, fatal red light crash rates climbed 30%, while signalized intersection fatalities increased 16%.
These examples show how enforcement, when suspended, reverses progress.
For fleets, behavior monitoring systems have reduced red light infractions by 40%. Dash cams further reinforce safer decisions. Real-world examples prove proactive systems work.
The Human Factor and Traffic Safety Awareness
At its core, safety relies on people. Drivers must observe lights, avoid distractions, and drive defensively. Encouraging safe habits remains vital. Sharing stories of red light crash survivors or impacted families helps people care deeply.
Schools, workplaces, and community groups can share compelling narratives during and after National Stop on Red Week. That deepens traffic safety awareness and shapes long-term habits.
What You Can Do Today
Always stop fully at red lights, even if you think you can beat the signal.
Avoid distractions as you approach intersections—put phones down and focus.
Support local red light cameras in high-risk areas for consistent enforcement.
Push for better signal timing to give drivers fair warning before lights turn red.
Use dash cams to review behavior and spot weak points in your driving.
Adopt driver behavior monitoring in your company or community to guide safer choices.
Talk about intersection safety with friends and family—awareness lasts longer than one week.
National Stop on Red Week highlights intersection risks, but safe choices matter every day. Encourage others to do the same.
Year-Round Intersection Safety: Technology, Behavior and Design
National Stop on Red Week reminds us how quickly red-light violations can lead to tragedy. That week has passed, but true safety happens year-round. Red light crash prevention relies on technology, infrastructure, behavior, and education. Tools like driver behavior monitoring and dash cams reinforce safe habits. Red light cameras and better lighting boost signal compliance. We must keep traffic safety awareness alive every day.
Safety Track stands with communities and organizations in creating safer roads. We offer systems, data, and guidance for lasting change. Let the momentum from National Stop on Red Week become everyday vigilance. Together, we reduce crashes, protect lives, and honor those affected by red light tragedies.
Hannah Lang is a Social Media Marketing Specialist at Safety Track. She has her bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University. With her passion for research, Hannah possesses a wealth of knowledge expanding across multiple industries and disciplines. Her efforts won her a Scholastic Art and Writing regional Gold Key award.