SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Aug. 1, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Stop on Red Week is August 4-10 and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is reminding all drivers to slow down and stop for red lights and stop signs during this special recognition week as well as every day throughout the year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA), in 2011, 193 California drivers who failed to follow traffic signals were involved in fatal crashes.
"Crashes that occur when a driver runs a red light are avoidable," Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety said. "By observing proper speed limits, staying alert, and always abiding by traffic signs and signals, we can create safer roadways for everyone."
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more people run red lights because they are in a rush than for any other reason. Additionally, FHWA cites that 50 percent of all fatalities resulting from signal violations are not the signal violators, but innocent parties who have the right of way.
According to a 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. The survey also asked drivers to speculate as to why other motorists run red lights. Sixty percent responded that the drivers were in a hurry.
For more information on National Stop on Red Week and other tips on staying safe behind the wheel, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety at www.ots.ca.gov, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov, and the Federal Highway Association at www.fhwa.dot.gov. ;