This week is “National Stop on Red Week”, and from Aug. 4 to 10, 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, 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, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to always stop on red. Because safety doesn’t happen by accident!”
FDOT has organized teams to conduct on-street safety outreach. The local effort is occurring August 7th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of US 41 and 53rd Avenue West. Other partners participating include the National Coalition for Safer Roads, Manatee County and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
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 or an officer directing you otherwise.
- Always SHARE THE ROAD safely.
- Pedestrians should always USE THE CROSSWALK and OBEY THE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL, 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]. 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].
