A new study from the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) about red-light running trends finds that more than 2.3 million drivers in 18 states ran a red light in 2011.
“This report shines a light on the life-threatening epidemic of red-light running on our nation’s roads,” said David Kelly, president and executive director, NCSR, and former acting administrator of NHTSA. “This new information reveals when we are most vulnerable on the road. We’re arming drivers, cyclists and pedestrians with knowledge they can use to keep themselves and their families safer on the road. Drivers everywhere need to make a more conscious effort to be aware on the roadways – no matter the time or the place.”
In 2011, more than 26,000 drivers ran a red light during Memorial Day weekend alone. Other highlights of Safer Roads Report 2012: Trends in Red-Light Running, which analyzes red-light running data in 142 areas across 18 states, include:
- Friday was the top day of the week in 2011 with the most red light-running violations.
- Drivers tend to run red lights most frequently in the afternoon hours (1–5 p.m.).
- Memorial Day weekend is the top holiday weekend for reckless driving behavior in intersections with the highest number of red light-running violations, while Christmas Day experienced the lowest number of drivers running red lights.