Red light running deaths hit 10-year high
More than two people are killed every day on U.S. roads by impatient and reckless drivers blowing through red lights, according to data analysis performed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The most recent crash data available shows 939 people were killed in red light running crashes in 2017 — a 10-year high and a 28% increase since 2012. With the number of red light running crashes on the rise, AAA calls for drivers to use caution when approaching signalized intersections, and for pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert when crossing the street.
According to Foundation:
• 28% of crash deaths that occur at signalized intersections are the result of a driver running through a red light.
• Per capita, Arizona has the highest rate of red light running fatalities while New Hampshire has the lowest rate.
• Nearly half (46%) of those killed in red light running crashes were the AAA passengers or people in other vehicles and more than 5% were pedestrians or cyclists. Just over 35% of those killed were the drivers who ran the red light.
According to the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index, 85% of drivers view red light running as very dangerous, yet nearly one in three say they blew through a red light within the past 30 days when they could have stopped safely. More than 2 in 5 drivers also say it is unlikely they’ll be stopped by police for running a red light. Nevertheless, it’s against the law and if a driver is involved in a deadly crash, it could send them to jail.
While enforcement is the best way to get drivers to comply with any law, it is impossible for police to be at every intersection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that when properly implemented, red light cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate of large cities by 21% and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14%.
Proper implementation of red light cameras helps to ensure drivers’ safety and trust in the systems. When using red light camera programs, local governments should incorporate best practices, such as:
• Using the camera program as part of a comprehensive traffic safety strategy, including engineering and education
• Only implementing programs on roadways with a demonstrated pattern of violations or crashes
will be Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, 22156 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park. The museum will be hosting a car show with the cars integrated with the aircraft on the flightline starting at noon. Registration is open to anyone, $25 to show your car and be eligible for the prizes. This family-friendly event is open to all makes and models of cars. All proceeds directly benefit the museum. Do you just want to attend the car show and see the cool cars and awesome airplanes together? It’s included in the normal price of admission. Go to http:// www.paxmuseum.com/events. php for more information and to register, or contact Patuxent River Naval Air Museum association@paxmuseum.org with additional questions.
every Thursday night from 5-8 p.m. at the Wendy’s at • Notifying drivers that cameras are being used (signage and other methods)
• Calibrating regularly
• Only operating cameras under the direct supervision of law enforcement personnel
• Evaluating the programs on a periodic basis to ensure safety benefits are being realized
Changes in driver behavior are also critical to reducing the number of red light running crashes on U.S. roads. To prevent red light crashes, AAA
on the west side of Route 228 in Accokeek. Call Bobby at 240682-6432 or Mike at 301-8431660.
The Southern Maryland Mustang Club meets monthly on a Saturday at the Charlotte Hall Library. For more info, visit somdmustang.org or email info@somdmustang.org.
meets the first Tuesday each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at different locations around the county. No dues, no board, just Corvette friends. For locations, visit https://www.facebook. com/Charles-County-CorvetteClub-87764176765/.
meets 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at Bert’s 50s Diner, 38760 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall. For more info, call Bill Bushey at 240-682-1189 or go to southernknightscarclub.org.
meets the first Monday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Town Commissioner’s Office, 22670 Washington Street, Leonardtown. If you own or have an interest in hot rods, classic, custom or antique cars, go to www.stmarysrodandclassic. com. Supporting the community since 1985.
meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Baden Volunteer Fire House in Baden. Members and guests may arrive as early as 7 p.m. for a social time of coffee and donuts with the meeting beginning at 7:30. All are welcome. Call Paul at 301-751-5705 or Roger at 301-466-7118.
will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the Greene Turtle parking lot, 3213 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Cruiseins are open to cars of all types. Call Reggie at 410-610-4440.
invites car enthusiasts and their vehicles to meet and check out great cars the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting, from 7:30-10 a.m. at Advance Auto Parts, 30340 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall. Visit www.facebook.com/ CarsAndCoffeeSOMD. is cameras recommends that drivers:
Prepare to Stop
Lift your foot off the accelerator and “cover the brake” when preparing to enter any intersection by positioning your right foot just above the brake pedal, without touching it.
Use Good Judgment
Monitor “stale” green lights, those that have been green a long time as you’ve approached the intersection. They are more likely to turn yellow as you arrive at the intersection.
Tap the Brake
Tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them to slow down. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.
Drive Defensively
Before you enter an intersection after the light has turned green for you, held from 5-9 p.m. every Wednesday from April 3-October 30. Vehicles meet behind the Upper Marlboro Ford dealership at Marlboro Square Advance Auto Parts, 5775 Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro. All vehicles are welcome. For more info, call Van at 301-8736413, Leroy at 2401-210-3963 or David at 240-416-4974.
hosted by the Thursday Night Cruisers will be held 8-10:30 a.m. every Sunday at the parking lot of the Accokeek Burger King, 15793 Livingston Road, Accokeek. Call Bobby at 240-682-6432 or Mike at 301-843-1660.
Southern Maryland’s longest running Cruise-in, now in its 14th year, runs every Wednesday through October from 5 p.m. until dark. The Cruise-in takes place at the Shops at Breton Bay, 40845 Merchants Lane Leonardtown, near Arby’s. Six take a second after the light changes and look both ways before proceeding. Pedestrians and cyclists should also stay safe when traveling near intersections. AAA recommends:
Wait
Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection.
Stay Alert and Listen: Don’t take chances and don’t wear headphones. Watch what is going on and give your full attention to the environment around you.
Be Visible
Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.
Make Eye Contact
Look at drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before crossing the road in front of them. eating establishments are within walking distance. Call Vince at 301-373-3454.
runs every Saturday from 4-8 p.m., April thru October. Cruize Nite takes places on Route 4 behind McDonalds, 2989 Plaza Drive in Dunkirk. All years of American makes of cars and trucks are welcome.
will begin hosting the 2019-Tri-County Cruise-In Night every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at Silver Diner, 3081 Festival Way, Waldorf. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Contact Paul at 301-7515705 or Tony at 301-399-6597 for more info.
is held every Friday from May 3 to Oct. 4. The event is held from 3 to 9 p.m. in North Beach and is open to all vehicles from 1989 and before. For more info, contact 301-855-6681.