Red light, green light. Stop and go. It’s a concept so ingrained in most Americans that a popular children’s game is based on it. As such, one might think it wouldn’t be necessary to spend a week reminding people to stop on red. After all, everyone learned the significance of signal colors as children, right?

Unfortunately, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), almost one in three drivers admitted to running a red light within the previous month before taking the organization’s survey.

With so many drivers not treating red lights as seriously as they should, it should be no surprise that crashes due to red light running have been rising for the past 10 years. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that 1,149 people were killed in crashes involving a driver running a red light in 2022. Over 100,000 were injured, according to the study, with half being victims of the motorist who failed to stop.  In all, red light running caused 28% of all crashes in intersections during that year.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recognizes August 4-10 as National Stop on Red Week. This event marks a good time for motorists to remember the lessons learned in their youth and stop at red lights every time they encounter one.

Many intersections allow motorists to turn right on red. It is important to remember that this is not a green light to make right turns. Motorists approaching a red light are allowed to turn right only after coming to a stop at the light and making sure the area is clear of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Turning right without stopping is the same thing as running the light, and violators can be ticketed, even if they don’t cause a crash.

All motorists should be aware that while making a right turn at a red light, they do not have the right of way, and they must yield to drivers with a green light — even those turning left or making U-turns (unless otherwise signed at that intersection). Safe drivers will remember to make a complete stop.

Running red lights is easily preventable. If everyone remembers to stop on red it could save 1,000 lives each year. During Stop on Red Week, and every week, please recall the games of youth. Green light…red light.