The major intersection that we have to go through to get anywhere from our house is notorious for red light runners. We count 2-3 every time the light changes. When I was teaching Aaron to drive I taught him to count the cars that go through the light after it changes-before he enters the intersection. Other drivers might get frustrated with us but I want to avoid accidents brought on by the stupidity of others.
Keeping our families safe on the road is a very important task that we undertake as parents. We drive carefully, keep our cars in tip-top shape, and make sure everyone is buckled in safely on each and every trip. Unfortunately, we can’t control what other drivers on the road are doing. We must rely on the police and essential safety equipment, such as red light safety cameras, to help keep us safe.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that 113,000 people were injured and 676 were killed in crashes that involved red-light running in 2009 – two-thirds of the victims were pedestrians, bicyclists and occupants of vehicles hit by the red-light runners.
The study also showed that red-light safety cameras helped save more than 150 lives in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities from 2004 to 2008. Had the cameras been operating in all 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000, more than 800 lives could have been saved.
Each time we enter an intersection, our families are at risk of becoming the victim of an accident – whether on foot or in a vehicle. Red light safety cameras help to change driver behavior and reduce the risk to our loved ones, however many people are unaware just how valuable these cameras are to those on the road.
The National Coalition for Safer Roads has created a powerful video, showing just how tragic the consequences of running a red light can be.
You can find the National Coalition for Safer Roads on their website, Twitter and Facebook pages, for more information about this important initiative.
Join the Coalition in spreading this important message. You may save the life of a loved one or spare a family the heartbreak of losing a life to a tragic intersection accident.
Information for this post provided by Global Influence and the National Coalition for Safer Roads.
This is a wonderful post! I was in YOVASO (Youth of VA Speak Out About Traffic Safety) when I was in high school. So, I still support anything that promotes safe driving.
Lindsay recently posted..Gluten-Free Cupcakes Book Giveaway
I wish we had these for stop signs. I live very close to a 4 way stop that nobody seems to stop for!
Lisa recently posted..What makes Daddy a hero
It’s very scary when you see this happen, especially when it’s so close to your house. I hope the police do something to make it safer.
ConnieFoggles recently posted..City Of Hope – Nonprofit of the Month
i was in an accident when someone ran a red light. its very scary. teens really need to be careful driving too.
pammypam recently posted..I’m thinking boxes
My Mom and step dad were hit by a guy that ran a red light at an intersection. It totaled their truck but thankfully neither of them were seriously hurt. I know these cameras are costly but I think they should be required on all lights.
Shanaka recently posted..Chicken of the Sea Funniest Kids&8217 Quotes Contest &38 Giveaway ends 6-2- 3 winners!
This is a fear of mine. If this helps, I’m all for it. Kelli