'Stop on Red' to help save lives

CHICAGO (WLS) -- This week is national Stop on Red Week. A new online map shows how many people are killed by red light-runners in each state and what intersections are most dangerous.

The National Coalition for Safer Roads put the map together. The coalition's president, Melissa Wandall, explained how drivers can use this map to help save lives.

To learn more about daily activities during Stop on Red Week or to sign the petition to "Stop on Red," visit www.nscrsafety.org.

PRESS RELEASE

New Interactive Map Showcases Number of Fatalities Caused by Red-light Running across the U.S.

National Stop on Red Week is August 2 - 8

More than seven thousand people in the U.S. have been killed by red-light running since 2004, according to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To shed light on this serious issue and raise awareness about the dangers of red-light running, the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) is launching an interactive map during national Stop on Red Week, which takes place August 2 - 8. The map, which will go live on Wednesday, August 5th, allows users to see the number of fatalities in their area and identify which intersections in their community are the most dangerous. NCSR hopes the map will be a visual reminder that red-light running puts lives at risk and will encourage drivers to Stop on Red.

Stop on Red Week, a national week of awareness that calls on local drivers to better understand how traffic safety affects communities across the country, was launched by the Federal Highway Administration nearly two decades ago. The week highlights the real dangers of red-light running in an effort to save lives and urge drivers to be more cautious and alert on the road. NCSR, an active advocate for Stop on Red Week, dedicates each day of the week to different safety aspects, useful statistics and information and heartfelt messages from supporters.

NCSR's interactive map will reference a startling 7,799 lives lost since 2004. Users who have been personally affected and lost loved ones in these types of traffic collisions will be able to share their stories on NCSR's Facebook page.

Visit www.nscrsafety.org to learn more about NCSR's daily activities during Stop on Red Week, or to sign the petition to Stop on Red.