Aug. 2-8 National Stop on Red week

This week is National Stop on Red week. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 7,700 Americans died in 2008 from intersection-related crashes. Of those intersection-related crash deaths, 883 were directly from red-light running.

The definition of a red light runner is one who enters the intersection after the onset of a red light.

What can you do to stay safe at intersections?

• Keep your eyes on the road. If you’re distracted, you’re less likely to see the light change from green to yellow, or yellow to red. That text message or phone call can wait.

• If you are stopped at a red light and it turns green, look both ways before crossing the intersection to make sure no one else is running a red light.

For more information about red-light safety, check out the Federal Highway Administration’s website.