The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running

Traffic Safety Advocates Mark National Stop On Red Week As L.A. Red Light Running Crashes Decline 14%

California Highway Patrol Commissioner Spike Helmick and Los Angeles Councilman Dennis Zine honored along with community-conscious Anaheim Angels

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 5, 2003) – To wrap-up National Stop on Red Week, August 30 – September 5, 2003, traffic safety advocates joined with Los Angeles traffic safety officials to celebrate new Los Angeles Police Department statistics that show a dramatic drop in collisions at Los Angeles intersections with red light photo enforcement. According to data released today by the LAPD, during the first 6 months of 2002, there were 229 crashes caused by red light runners at photo red light intersections as compared to 198 crashes during the first 6 months of 2003.

“Red light cameras are making a difference in Los Angeles that translates into lives saved and injuries prevented,” said Los Angeles Councilman Dennis Zine. “As in other cities across California, photo enforcement sends a strong message to stop on red or you will be caught.”

Traffic safety advocates gathered at DeSoto Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard today to honor Commissioner Helmick and Councilman Zine for their outstanding efforts to prevent red light running. The LAPD data show the DeSoto and Roscoe Boulevard intersection has seen a 58 percent decline in red light running at photo red light intersections. “Red light camera enforcement combined with traditional law enforcement equals less red light running and safer streets,” said Sergeant Steve Foster, photo red light coordinator for the LAPD.

The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running has teamed up with Stop on Red, Orange County and the Anaheim Angels to highlight National Stop on Red Week. The groups have produced posters and billboards featuring Angels right fielder Jeff DaVanon and a “Get Home Safe” message that urges drivers to stop on red.

According to the California Highway Patrol, statewide in 2002 there were 26,018 collisions caused by red light running resulting in 26,261 injuries and 117 fatalities. In 2001, the CHP recorded 26,181 red light running crashes resulting in 26,519 injuries and 113 fatalities.“Red light running is largely a driver behavior problem and public education campaigns coupled with consistent enforcement is critical to our continued progress to prevent red light running,” said Leslie Blakey, executive director of the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running.

Nationally, red light runners cause as many as 219,000 crashes each year resulting in approximately 1,000
deaths and 181,000 injuries. “My dad and I used to play catch and go to baseball games until a red light runner killed him when I was just eight years old,” said Ian Baker, a member of Stop on Red, Orange County from Lake Forest, California. “There are so many things I can’t do with my dad anymore and it’s just not fair.”

Stop on Red Night at Edison Field with the 2002 World Champion Anaheim Angels will be held tomorrow night. The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running and Stop on Red Orange County will distribute “Get Home Safe” posters to fans. Billboards with the same message will be posted in the Los Angeles and Anaheim areas during Stop on Red Week and throughout September courtesy of Clear Channel and Viacom Outdoor.