The Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization will observe National Stop on Red Week, which runs Aug. 4-10, 2024.

Created by the Federal Highway Administration and spearheaded by the National Coalition for Safer Roads, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running and to reduce the number and severity of crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that motorists in urban areas are more likely to be injured in crashes involving red-light running than in any other type of crash.

In 2022, 96 people were killed, and an estimated 728 people were seriously injured in crashes that involved red-light running in Florida. The U.S. Department of Transportation found that one in three Americans know someone who has been injured or killed in a red-light running crash.

The Space Coast TPO reminds all drivers to ALWAYS STOP on RED. Safety is the responsibility of every driver on the road – not just during Stop on Red Week, but every day and every time someone gets behind the wheel. Use the resources included below to promote red light safety in your community.

These templates are designed to assist your agency or organization in communicating about Stop on Red Week. Adding personal experiences and stories will enrich these messages and make them more impactful within your local communities.

Web/Social Media Campaign

• Incorporate Stop on Red Week messaging into your content and graphics for social media. Include content about the campaign on your agency or organization website, project page, email signature, etc.
• Use our toolkit graphics to promote Stop on Red Week and include your own safety messaging on your communication channels, such as your website, social media, and newsletters.
  • Share the SCTPO’s social media messaging across your own Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn pages.
• Record and share PSAs about Stop on Red Week to share throughout your channels. Highlight the consequences of running red lights and who is impacted by these crashes.
• Post reminders to Stop on Red on your digital messaging boards, marquees, and any other location where you share information with residents. Consider posting messaging at intersections where vehicle crashes occur frequently. For a map of our High Injury Network, where severe and fatal crashes are occurring, visit www.sctpo.com/crashes. 

Media Coverage

• Issue a press release about National Stop on Red Week to promote safety in your community, reminding motorists that safe driving saves lives. Include data and statistics on red-light running in your area, including crash data, injury rates, and violation rates.
• Submit a short pitch letter, a letter to the editor, op-ed, or article promoting Stop on Red Week. Stress how intersection safety is important for all road users. This could include information about how your traffic unit is working to reduce violations and crashes.
• Encourage journalists to ride along with police officers as they make traffic stops or work an intersection crash (if allowed).

Safety for Kids - It's Never Too Early!

• Use our traffic light coloring page to host a poster contest at home/school. Encourage older children to complete our traffic light word search.
• Send home informational flyers and newsletters to parents explaining the significance of Stop on Red Week. Discuss traffic safety with children and encourage parents to model good behavior.

These graphics are designed to assist you in communicating about Stop on Red Week. Adding data, experiences, and your own touch will enrich these messages, making them more impactful and relevant for your community.

Graphics

Worksheets

• Traffic Light Coloring Page
• Traffic Light Word Search

Data

• Preliminary reports show that 861 people were cited for running a red light in Brevard County in 2023. (Florida Uniform Traffic Citation Statistics)
• In 2022, 96 people were killed in crashes caused by red light runners. (FLHSMV)
• In 2022, 728 people were seriously injured in crashes caused by red light runners. (FLHSMV)

Additional Information about Stop on Red Week

• Verra Mobility: Stop on Red Week 2024
• National Coalition for Safer Roads: Stop on Red Week 2024

Looking for printed materials? Email Shelby at shelby.villatoro@sctpo.com to inquire about printed resources promoting Stop on Red Week and traffic signal education.