Stop On Red Week is observed across the country every year during the first full week of August — August 3 to 9 this year — to highlight the significance of red traffic lights and to curb the deaths caused by breaking the red light rule. While following basic traffic rules might seem easy, statistics say at least 50 million people are injured or disabled by road traffic crashes yearly. Join the cause and make the roads safer by spreading the word about why we must obey the road safety laws. It is your responsibility to save lives and protect those around you.
History of Stop on Red Week
Stop On Red Week was created by the Federal Highway Administration in 1995 to reduce the severity of traffic collisions by educating the public. The week highlights the risks of running a red light and how reckless driving can destroy lives. The initiative was promoted by the National Coalition for Safer Roads (N.C.S.R) to ensure communities around the country remain protected. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A), vehicle accidents resulting from breaking the red light rule were responsible for around 11,877 deaths between 2004 and 2018. In addition, about 139,000 people had been injured.
During the 1900s, traffic was controlled in the United States by the police officers directing it from towers. But when cars became the norm and traffic increased, managing vehicles also evolved. At first, traffic lights were gas-based lamps, which later evolved into the electric variety with only two lights: red and green. Instead of the yellow light, a buzzer would sound to indicate a change in the signal was about to take place. The first red, yellow and green traffic signal was used in Detroit in 1920.
While incidents relating to red light violations continue, modern camera technology has proven to reduce accidents effectively. Drivers now know they are being watched and will be punished severely if a crash occurs due to their negligence. However, things weren’t always so advanced, and it took years, and millions of car crashes, to reach the point of safety that the world has today.
Stop on Red Week timeline
The first non-electric traffic light is invented by J. P . Knight and installed outside the Houses of Parliament in London.
The first electric traffic light is installed in Cleveland, Ohio.
William Potts invents the first three-lensed automatic traffic light.
Garret Morgan patents the three signal electric traffic light.
Stop on Red Week FAQs
Why are signal lights red?
The red color indicates danger. It is also the most visible from afar and during a fog.
How long do traffic lights stay red?
The typical traffic light cycle is 120 seconds for each light signal.
What are the three colors of a traffic light?
The three colors of the traffic light are red, green, and yellow. The red color means stop. The yellow light is a warning to slow down. The green means you can go, but with caution.
How to Observe Stop on Red Week
Discuss the importance of the red light on social media
Share facts or write posts about accidents caused every year simply because people ignore the red light signal. People are more likely to follow the rules if they know about the danger involved.
Distribute posters around town
Go around town and distribute flyers and posters that discuss the traffic rules and why it is so essential to follow them.
Screen a documentary on car safety
Do you have teenagers in the house? Now is the time to screen a documentary on road safety so the youngsters know the risks involved in breaking traffic signals.
5 Facts You Need To Know About Road Accidents
The leading cause of death
Road crashes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people aged from one to 54.
The day for accidents
Most accidents happen on a Saturday.
Alcohol and driving
Drinking and driving increases the risk of a car accident, with one alcohol-related death occurring every 52 minutes.
Crashes and tired drivers
At least 20% of crashes are caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or have driver fatigue.
Car safety standards
Vehicles sold in 80% of all countries worldwide fail to meet basic safety standards.
Why Stop on Red Week is Important
It reiterates the importance of traffic signals
Often traffic signals are not taken seriously by people in a rush. Hence, road accidents are common across the world. The purpose of the week is to highlight the importance of traffic signals and the damage caused when the rules are ignored.
It teaches everyone to avoid reckless driving
The week focuses on how essential the red traffic light is to control speeding vehicles. It also brings the issue of reckless driving to the forefront.
It reintroduces traffic rules
While everyone knows the basic traffic rules, people sometimes forget how important they are and why they must be followed at all costs. Traffic laws curb unnecessary deaths and injuries for both drivers and pedestrians.
Stop on Red Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | August 7 | Sunday |
| 2023 | August 6 | Sunday |
| 2024 | August 4 | Sunday |
| 2025 | August 3 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 2 | Sunday |
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