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2002 News Releases
2001 News Releases
2000 News Releases
1999 News Releases
1998 News Releases

Press Room 2002 News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 6, 2002
Contacts:
FHWA, TaMara McCrae (202) 366-0660
ATS, Harry Teter (800) 556-7890
ITE, Thomas W. Brahms (202) 289-0222
FHWA 37-02

"National Stop on Red Week" Reminds Drivers to Stop on Red; Red Light Running Crashes, Fatalities Increase

More than 1,000 Americans lose their lives each year in red light running crashes and thousands more are injured. To raise awareness about the danger red light running poses to motorists and pedestrians, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Trauma Society (ATS), and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) are sponsoring the fifth annual "National Stop on Red Week," Sept. 7-13.

"Red light running is a threat to everyone. It leads to thousands of injuries and deaths in intersections," said Federal Highway Administrator Mary E. Peters. "I applaud this partnership and the participating communities for their efforts to reduce crashes at intersections through education, engineering, and enforcement countermeasures. Their work supports the Bush administration's commitment to improving safety on our nation's highways.

"In 2001, the last year for which these statistics are available, there were an estimated 103,000 red light running crashes in intersections. These crashes resulted in 84,000 persons injured. Although injuries resulting from red light running crashes have dropped by nearly 7 percent since 2000, the number of fatal crashes and fatalities increased 6 percent and 5 percent respectively to 1,026 fatal crashes and 1,131 fatalities. Red light running crashes exact a toll in excess of $12 billion on our economy, counting medical expenses and time lost from work.

"Red light running is right behind drunk driving and lack of seat belt use in lives lost needlessly," said ATS Executive Director Harry Teter. "ATS and its members are committed to keeping this issue before the public."

This year's National Stop on Red Week theme is "Engineering Safer Intersections" to highlight the role and importance of good engineering to ensure red light running is kept to a minimum.

"The use of engineering countermeasures can help reduce the extent of the red light running problem in this country," said Thomas Brahms, ITE Executive Director. "Transportation professionals need to ensure that the design and operation parameters of an intersection work in tandem to reduce the number of motorists running red lights."

FHWA Administrator Peters pointed out that the FHWA, in collaboration with other partners such as the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are working to provide guidance, support and assistance to local communities in all aspects of engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response and care as part of the national program.

Communities across the country are raising awareness of red light running through press conferences, increased enforcement, and distribution of educational materials and other activities. The "Stop Red Light Running" program provides those interested in promoting highway safety with technical and program support for local initiatives. A website for further information is available here.

Press Room 2001 News Releases

National Effort Spotlights Red Light Running (FHWA 31-01):
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa0131.htm

Press Room 2000 News Releases

Automated Cameras Work
FHWA Study Finds Red Light Running Violations Down 60 Percent (FHWA 9-00): http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pressroom/fhwa0009.htm

Press Room 1999 News Releases

U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater:
Survey Shows Americans Run Red Lights Without Regard for Consequences
"National Stop on Red Week" Reminds Drivers to Stop on Red (FHWA 60-99): http://www.dot.gov/affairs/1999/fhwa6099.htm

Press Room 1998 News Releases

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

TWO OF THREE CALIFORNIANS SEE OTHER DRIVERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY (FHWA 37-98): http://www.dot.gov/affairs/1998/fhwa3798.htm

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293

TWO OF THREE D.C. DRIVERS SEE OTHERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Two of three D.C. drivers see others run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness, the result of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, runs from September 4-11, and features events in Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles, in addition to the national press event in Washington, D.C.

The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in the District of Columbia between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

95 percent of D.C. drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection
One in four claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 69 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in the District of Columbia, but a whopping 89 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

"Children are our most precious possession, and their safety must be foremost on our minds as we end the summer season with Labor Day outings," U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater said. "Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and observing red light signals - always - can prevent tragic injuries and deaths of pedestrians and motorists alike."

"The numbers suggest that, although people feel it's wrong to run red lights, they're still doing it," says Harry Teter, executive director of the ATS. "Along with Chrysler and DOT, we're trying to educate motorists that running red lights can have the same outcome as driving under the influence of alcohol - injuries and deaths."

The survey also asked D.C. drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 70 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

The program partners developed National Stop on Red Week as a response to the results of this survey and to the fact that there are more than one million intersection crashes per year, resulting in more than 300,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths. Often, red light running is a related factor in intersection crashes.

"Just as the Department of Transportation is dedicated to making the safest roadway network in the world and ATS is committed to reducing the number of vehicle collision injuries, Chrysler is committed to manufacturing and marketing safe vehicles," says Robert Eaton, chairman of the board and CEO of Chrysler Corporation. "National Stop on Red Week addresses an important component of traffic safety, the driver. Together, we can make a difference."

The Stop Red Light Running campaign originated with the FHWA's 1995 local community efforts. Early results of the campaign showed that it has raised awareness of the dangers of red light running by 60 percent and reduced crashes at some intersections in some communities by 43 percent. Chrysler Corporation and the American Trauma Society joined the campaign this year.

The American Trauma Society, based in Washington, D.C., has 180 hospital members and 26 state division chapters across the country that are implementing the red light running campaign. Each participating trauma hospital has a dedicated campaign coordinator to work with local law enforcement, engineering and safety professionals to promote red light running campaign safety messages.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle,, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Columbia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293
Sheila Gruber McLean
248.512.2987

FLORIDIANS SEE RED, AND MANY IGNORE IT Florida Observes "Stop! Red Light Running Week"

TALLAHASSEE (JANUARY 8, 1999) - A number of Florida drivers are forgetting one of the most basic rules of the road - stopping at red lights.

Whether it's forgetfulness, carelessness or outright defiance, motorists who ran red lights in Florida in 1997 caused 11,723 crashes, 15,863 personal injuries and 126 deaths. In that same year, red light running cost Floridians an estimated $388 million in medical bills, property damage and lost productivity and wages. In response to these startling statistics, the second annual "Stop! Red Light Running Week," will take place Jan. 10 - 16, 1999.

During this week, law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for traffic signal violators in support of a statewide public awareness campaign sponsored by the Florida Community Traffic Safety Team Coalition (CTST). Florida's first "Stop! Red Light Running Week" in 1998 resulted in 5,568 citations and 1,004 warnings issued to red light runners.

In 1999, the CTST welcomes the support of the American Trauma Society (ATS), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and DaimlerChrysler Corporation, all three of which are responsible for the "Stop Red Light Running" program on the national level.

Recent studies reflect the need for heightened awareness of Florida's red light running problem. A survey conducted by the ATS and FHWA shows that three of four Floridians see other drivers run red lights almost every day. The study also found that:

97 percent of Floridians fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
About 72 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Florida, but 85 percent feel that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.
61 percent of Floridians answered that the most common reason they ran red lights was that they were in a hurry.

In addition, one in three Florida drivers said they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.

"The numbers suggest that, although people feel it's wrong to run red lights, they're still doing it," says Harry Teter, executive director of the ATS, a national organization of hospital trauma centers. "Along with DaimlerChrysler and DOT, and the CTST in Florida, we are teaching motorists that running red lights can have the same outcome as driving under the influence of alcohol - injuries and deaths."

"When you're behind the wheel, you have to ask yourself, are the few seconds I will save really worth the risk of taking someone's life?" stated Chris Robinson, Manager of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Community Traffic Safety Program.

"Florida has a real problem with red light running," said Sgt. Jim Suber, who has seen numerous red light running crashes during his 24 years with the Jacksonville County Sheriff's Office. "Every driver has to be responsible behind the wheel, and realize that red lights are designed to keep our roadways safe -- not to keep you from your destination."

Florida, the only state in the nation to have its own awareness week for red light running, also participates in the "National Stop on Red Week". Each year in the United States, more than one million intersection crashes result in more than 500,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths. Often, red light running is a related factor in intersection crashes.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293

THREE OF FOUR FLORIDIANS SEE OTHER DRIVERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

MIAMI (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Three of four Floridians see other drivers run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness is a result of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and DaimlerChrysler Corporation, and runs from September 4-11. The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in Florida between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

97 percent of Floridians fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in three claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 72 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Florida, but a whopping 85 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

"The numbers suggest that, although people feel it's wrong to run red lights, they're still doing it," says Harry Teter, executive director of the ATS. "Along with DaimlerChrysler and DOT, we're trying to educate motorists that running red lights can have the same outcome as driving under the influence of alcohol - injuries and deaths.

"The survey also asked Floridians to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 61 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

The program partners developed National Stop on Red Week as a response to the results of this survey and to the fact that there are more than one million intersection crashes per year, resulting in more than 500,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths. Often, red light running is a related factor in intersection crashes.

"Just as the Department of Transportation is dedicated to making the safest roadway network in the world and ATS is committed to reducing the number of vehicle collision injuries, DaimlerChrysler is committed to manufacturing and marketing safe vehicles," says Robert Eaton, chairman of DaimlerChrysler Corporation. "National Stop on Red Week address an important component of traffic safety, the driver. Together, we can make a difference."

The Stop Red Light Running campaign originated with the FHWA's 1995 local community efforts. Early results of the campaign showed that it has raised awareness of the dangers of red light running by 60 percent and reduced crashes at some intersections in some communities by 43 percent. DaimlerChrysler Corporation and the American Trauma Society joined the campaign this year.

DaimlerChrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Conversa
312.729.4174

ONE IN TWO ILLINOIS DRIVERS SEE OTHERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

CHICAGO (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - One in two Illinois drivers see others run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness is a result of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, and runs from September 4-11. Released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, the survey coincides with the City Council's latest announcement to raise fines for drivers who run red lights or stop signs. The survey polled licensed drivers in Illinois between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

94 percent of Illinois drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in four claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 60 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Illinois, but a whopping 86 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked Illinois drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 62 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Conversa
312.729.4174

THREE OF FIVE MASSACHUSETTS DRIVERS SEE OTHERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

BOSTON (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Three of five Massachusetts drivers see others run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness is a result of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, and runs from September 4-11.The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in Massachusetts between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

92 percent of Massachusetts drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in four claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 62 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Massachusetts, but a whopping 84 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked Massachusetts drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 66 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293

THREE OF FIVE MICHIGAN DRIVERS SEE OTHERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

DETROIT (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Three of five Michigan drivers see others run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness, the result of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, runs from September 4 -11, and features events in Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles, in addition to the national press event in Washington, D.C.The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in Michigan between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

97 percent of Michigan drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in four claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 75 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Michigan, but a whopping 91 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 55 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sheila Gruber McLean
248.512.2987

Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293

AMERICANS HIT HARD BY RED LIGHT RUNNINGWASHINGTON, D.C. (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - According to a recently released survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the American Trauma Society (ATS), two of three Americans see other drivers run red lights almost every day. To counteract this startling statistic, the ATS and DOT's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have teamed up with DaimlerChrysler to raise awareness of this dangerous and costly problem through the "Stop Red Light Running" program.The program's goal is to reduce the more than one million motor vehicle collisions occurring at traffic signals, which annually result in more than 500,000 injuries and more than 1,000 deaths. Red light running is often a factor in intersection crashes. Red light running crashes alone cost Americans an estimated $7 billion a year. The survey, which polled 800 licensed drivers between the ages of 18 and 65, also found that:

96 percent of Americans fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in three Americans claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 21 percent said they feel that drunk driving incidents are decreasing, but only six percent felt that incidents of red light running were decreasing.

"Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority, and observing red light signals - always - can prevent tragic injuries and deaths of pedestrians and motorists alike," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater.

The survey also asked drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The response - 60 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

"Just as the Department of Transportation is dedicated to making the safest roadway network in the world and ATS is committed to reducing the number of vehicle collision injuries, DaimlerChrysler is committed to manufacturing and marketing safe vehicles," says Robert Eaton, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler. "National Stop on Red Week addresses an important component of traffic safety, the driver. Together, we can make a difference."

The Stop Red Light Running program originated with the FHWA's 1995 local community efforts. Early results of the campaign showed that it has raised awareness of the dangers of red light running by 60 percent and reduced crashes at some intersections in some communities by 43 percent. DaimlerChrysler and the American Trauma Society joined in April 1998.

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Conversa
312.729.4174

THREE OF FIVE NEW YORKERS SEE OTHER DRIVERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Three of five New Yorkers see other drivers run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness is a result of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, and runs from September 4-11.The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in New York between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

93 percent of New Yorkers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in four claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 57 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in New York, but a whopping 78 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked New Yorkers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 63 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Betsy Slemmons
312.729.4293

TWO OF THREE TEXANS SEE OTHER DRIVERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

DALLAS (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Two of three Texans see other drivers run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness, the result of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, runs from September 4 -11, and features events in Dallas, Detroit and Los Angeles, in addition to the national press event in Washington, D.C.The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in Texas between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

98 percent of Texans fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in three claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 75 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Texas, but a whopping 89 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked Texans to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 66 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Conversa
312.729.4174

TWO OF THREE WASHINGTON DRIVERS SEE OTHERS RUN RED LIGHTS ALMOST EVERY DAY

SEATTLE (SEPTEMBER 4, 1998) - Two of three Washington state drivers see others run red lights almost every day, according to a survey released today to kick off National Stop on Red Week. This nationwide week of awareness is a result of the partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), American Trauma Society (ATS) and Chrysler Corporation, and runs from September 4-11.The survey, released just before the Labor Day holiday and back to school time, polled licensed drivers in Washington between the ages of 18 and 65, and found that:

95 percent of Washington drivers fear a red light runner will hit them when they enter an intersection.
One in three claim they personally know someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash - similar to the percentage of people who know someone killed or injured by a drunk driver.
About 66 percent said they feel that the problem of drunk driving has gotten worse or stayed the same in Washington, but a whopping 84 percent felt that the problem of red light running has gotten worse or stayed the same over the past few years.

The survey also asked Washington drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. The overwhelming response - 59 percent - was that they were in a hurry.

"Apparently these offenders don't consider that the snap decision they make to run the red light has the potential to change - or end - a life forever," said Teter.

Chrysler has committed tens of millions of dollars to safety education programs in addition to Stop Red Light Running, and has initiated a number of national safety education campaigns including:

Neon Drunk Driving Simulator, an interactive program which allows participants to experience firsthand the dangers of drunken driving without endangering lives;
The Back Is Where Its At, which emphasizes that the back seat is the safest place for children to ride in a motor vehicle; and
Do the Buckle, a nationwide consumer initiative designed to communicate the importance of wearing safety belts.

California / District of Colombia / Florida #1 / Florida #2 / Illinois / Massachusetts / Michigan / National / New York / Texas / Washington

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