NHTSA REGION I
New England Stop Red Light Running Workshop

 

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS PROGRAM AREA(S)
 

Outstanding collaborative effort
Easy to replicate

 

ONE DOT
Police Traffic Services

 

 

 

 

TYPE OF JURISDICTION    
 

Multi-jurisdictional

 

 

 

 

 

 

TARGETED POPULATION(S) JURISDICTION SIZE
 

General population

 

6,000,000


PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Red light running is a dangerous form of aggressive driving. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 1998, this behavior caused 89,000 motor vehicle crashes nationwide, resulting in 80,000 injuries and 986 deaths. In fact, red light running is the leading cause of traffic crashes in urban areas. The Stop Red Light Running (SRLR) Program was developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in 1995 to increase community awareness of the dangers of red light running, and increase enforcement efforts. The program is currently being implemented nationwide, in more than 200 communities.


GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
In response to increasing demands for SRLR Program information by traffic safety advocates throughout New England, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) teamed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to present a one-day workshop in September, 2000. Objectives of the workshop were to:

  • Provide participants with an overview of the Stop Red Light Running Program

  • Increase understanding of the magnitude of the red light running problem

  • Establish educational strategies to address this serious issue

  • Suggest steps for establishing a Stop Red Light Running Program in participants' communities

  • Prepare participants for potential legislative challenges in implementing an SRLR program

  • Conduct presentations of several available automated enforcement options


STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The New England Stop Red Light Running Workshop was presented on September 21, 2000, in Portland, Maine. Participants included law enforcement officials, highway safety professionals, engineering specialists and local educators. Workshop presentations included the following:

  • The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provided an extensive presentation on the crash data trends resulting from red light running.

  • The President of the American Trauma Society, MD Division provided her strategies for implementing a comprehensive media/educational campaign

  • A lieutenant with the Howard County Police Department highlighted the experience of Howard County in implementing a successful Stop Red Light Running Campaign and automated enforcement program

  • The Director of State Affairs for the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety provided information relative to the legislative issues that might be encountered when implementing a red light running program

  • Participants received literature from several automated camera enforcement companies, and a variety of other potential program funding sources


RESULTS
More than 30 representatives from the law enforcement, highway safety, engineering, and education communities participated in the New England Stop Red Light Running Workshop. Staff from the FHWA and NHTSA will be following up with attendees to provide further information and technical assistance for program implementation.

The agenda, materials, and contact information are available for use by those who wish to present a similar workshop. The Stop Red Light Running Website (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov) also provides information regarding this important issue.

 

FUNDING
 

FHWA:

$2,500

CONTACT  
 

Jane Bates
FHWA/NHTSA Safety Liaison
NHTSA Region I
55 Broadway, Room 933A (Code 903)
MCambridge, MA 02142
(617) 494-3427




NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

WINTER 2001