State Agencies Remind Motorists Of National Stop On Red Week
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – More than 5,000 people in Florida last year suffered injuries from crashes where someone failed to stop at a red light. Fifty-six people died. Red light running is preventable and dangerous, which is why the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are participating in National Stop On Red Week.
On Aug. 2 – 8, Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be joining other state and local law enforcement officers on the lookout for motorists who fail to stop at red traffic signals, placing innocent pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists in danger. More than 1,400 crashes in Florida last year resulted from motorists who failed to stop at a red light.
“Impatient drivers who choose to disregard red lights can ruin the lives of innocent people who get caught in the crosshairs of a moving vehicle,” said the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Colonel John Czernis. “The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol will be working hard to detect, stop, and cite motorists who place themselves and others in danger by running red lights.”
This year, Governor Charlie Crist signed House Bill 325 into law, authorizing state and local governments to use red light cameras as a tool to change driver behavior and ultimately save lives. The new law took effect July 1 and sets statewide standards for how governments may use cameras to cite motorists who fail to on red. Lawmakers named the red light camera law the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act to memorialize a Bradenton man killed by a red-light runner in 2003. Wandall’s wife, Melissa, championed the bill through the legislative process. Below are a few facts drivers should know about the law:
· A red light camera citation will cost a driver $158.
· A red light camera citation will not affect auto insurance rates.
· A red light camera citation will not assess points to your driving record.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is committed to Service, Integrity, Courtesy, Professionalism, Innovation and Excellence in all we do. Please let us know how we are doing via our online customer service survey at www.flhsmv.gov.
