Summer is in full swing, and many people are busier than ever and are rushing around to get from point A to point B in a timely manner. The week of August 4th-10th marks National Stop on Red Week. The purpose of this week is to educate the community about the importance of driver safety and the severity of intersection collisions. This week gives us the chance to promote road safety and remind the public why it is important to stop at red lights and stop signs.
Ever since the first stop sign was implemented in 1915 in Detroit, traffic safety has been a topic of conversation. However, it was not until the 1920’s that the red background of the stop sign was standardized for use across the United States. The now familiar octagon shape was then adopted by the American Association of State Highway Officials which made it less likely to be confused with other road signs. These milestones developed the well-known red octagon stop sign and eventually developed into the traffic lights that we still use today.
A stop sign serves one purpose and that is to, quite obviously, tell you to stop. Not obeying the command of the stop sign and failing to stop or rolling through the sign are some of the most common causes of accidents on the road. Running a red light is categorized with the same severity. Bicyclists, motorcyclists, passengers in other vehicles and pedestrians make up over half of the deaths caused by a driver disobeying the commands of traffic lights and stop signs. In 2016 alone, around 800 people were involved in fatal collisions that included a driver running a red light or stop sign. Another 137,000 were brutally injured.
While it may seem like common sense, stopping at a red light or a stop sign is the law. Laws are in place to keep not only yourself but those around you safe as well. Disobeying these laws put the whole community at risk and could lead to you receiving a traffic violation, a fine, or even worse could result in the death of an innocent bystander. The aim of this week is to emphasize the importance of stopping at stop signs and traffic lights to avoid the extreme penalties that come with it. Being on time is important, but getting from point A to point B as safe as possible is vital. It is imperative that we follow the rules of the road to save lives in our communities.
While we can make a change in our own lives, it is impossible to control the actions of everyone. If you or a loved one are injured in an incident involving a driver who ran a red light or stop sign you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. Contact Spiros Law to speak with a trusted attorney. Call Spiros Law at (815) 929-9292 for a free, non-binding, consultation. Our attorneys are here to take a weight off your shoulders and make sure you focus on what is most important; your recovery.
