Next week marks “National Stop on Red Week”, and from Aug. 5 to 11, members of Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition will be reminding everyone to STOP on RED including when making a right turn. The coalition, led by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is a diverse group of stakeholders including federal, state, local, and public partners. The coalition is focused on the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
“At the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), safety is our number one priority,” said FDOT State Bicycle Pedestrian Safety Program Manager Trenda McPherson. “The goal of this event is to remind all road users to always stop on red. Safety doesn’t happen by accident!”
FDOT has organized teams to conduct on-street safety outreach. The local effort is occurring Friday, Aug. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the intersection of State Road (S.R.) 438 (Silver Star Road) and Pine Hills Road. Other partners participating include the National Coalition for Safer Roads, Orange County, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, City of Orlando, Maynard Evans High School, the Pine Hills Neighborhood District, and Bike Walk Central Florida.
FDOT offers these tips for reducing intersection crashes:
- When approaching a traffic light you should ALWAYS be prepared to STOP on RED.
- After stopping, you may turn right on red ONLY if the way is clear of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists; and, there is no sign posted that prohibits right turns on red
- Always SHARE THE ROAD safely.
- Pedestrians should always USE THE CROSSWALK, and even when you have the signal to cross, look twice for approaching motorists or bicyclists before entering the street or intersection.
- Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motorists. You should always obey traffic signals and ride predictably, WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
Created by the Federal Highway Administration, National Stop on Red Week aims to educate drivers about the dangers of red-light running, and to help reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes.
Media inquiries, or for more information about Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition, please contact Trenda McPherson at [email protected] or Karen Smith at [email protected]. For more information about the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) or to interview NCSR President Melissa Wandall, please contact 941-545-3359 or [email protected].
