National Stop on Red Week

T.E.S.T. To Focus On Red Signal Violations

The Madison Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Safety Team (T.E.S.T.), in addition to other enforcement efforts, will be specifically addressing traffic violations this week in the following areas: *Tuesday, August 6, 2013 Central District- E. Washington Av. at First St. (Red Signal Violations) *Wednesday, August 7, 2013 North District - E. Washington Av. at Mendota St. (Red Signal Violations) *Thursday, August 8, 2013 South District - S. Park St. at W. Badger Rd. (Red Signal Violations) This is National Stop on Red Week, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disseminated the following: Ten Things We Bet You Didn't Know About Red-Light Running 1. You or your loved ones are more likely to be injured due to a red-light running related crash than any other type of crash. In the last decade, red-light running crashes killed nearly 9,000 people. 2. Running red lights or other traffic controls is the most common cause of all urban crashes. 3. Someone runs a red light an average of every 20 minutes at urban intersections. 4. Car crashes rank among the leading causes of death in the United States. 5. An estimated 165,000 motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are injured annually by red-light runners. 6. Half of the people killed by red-light runners are not the signal violators - they are passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. 7. Nearly 93% of drivers believe running a red light is unacceptable, yet 1 in 3 drivers reported doing so in the past 30 days. 8. There are an average of 7 fatal crashes and over 1,000 injury crashes EVERY DAY at signalized intersections across the United States. 9. The cost to society of all crashes exceeds $230 billion annually. 10. The tragedies and costs resulting from red-light running are preventable! The Madison Police Department is committed to improving the safety of our community by increasing compliance with traffic laws through education and enforcement. Although law enforcement efforts are an important part of public safety, we rely heavily on the cooperation of the public to be aware of and to follow all traffic laws, whether as a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist. The Madison Police Department supports the "Zero In Wisconsin" campaign and believes that we all can make a difference. Please remember to drive safely and to "buckle up." State law now allows law enforcement to stop a vehicle when the driver is not observed wearing a safety belt. The Madison Police Department also reminds motorists that state law requires that vehicles yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Remember - don't drink and drive!

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