National Coalition For Safer Roads Releases New Report Revealing Red-Light Running Data And Trends Across 20 States

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 3.5 million drivers in 20 states ran a red light in 2013, according to the second biannual Safer Roads Report 2014: Trends in Red-Light Running from the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR).

The report, released today, examines red-light running trends across 20 states and is designed to help raise driver awareness of the dangers of red-light running. The risks of red-light running are clear: intersection-related vehicle accidents caused more than 8,500 causalities in 2011 – the most recent year for which data is available – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NCSR's report analyzed red-light running data collected from 2,216 red-light safety cameras across 202 areas in 20 states.

Report Highlights:

• Memorial Day weekend was the highest ranked holiday travel period, with 39,021 red-light running violations in 2013
• Halloween had the lowest number of red-light running violations in 2013, with 28,902 total
• Friday proved to be the worst day for intersection safety in 2013 — safety cameras caught 570,151 total red-light running violations — while Sunday saw the fewest violations, with 439,323 total
• Drivers most frequently ran red lights in the afternoon, with 30.07 percent (1,070,572) of all red-light running violations in 2013 occurring from 1 p.m.– 5 p.m.

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

"Personally and as president of NCSR, I have witnessed the pain and trauma that running a red light can cause," said NCSR President Melissa Wandall. "My hope is that this report will arm drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians with the knowledge they need to stay safe on our roads and keep others from having to feel the heartache I experienced when my husband was killed by a careless driver." Melissa Wandall's husband was killed by a red-light runner in 2003.

For more information on Safer Roads Report 2012: Trends in Red-Light Running, please visit http://www.NCSRsafety.org/. Also view the associated infographic.

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.

SOURCE National Coalition for Safer Roads