Stop On Red Week is observed across the country every year during the first full week of August. It highlights the significance of red traffic lights and aims to curb deaths that are caused by drivers breaking the red light rule.

While following basic traffic rules might seem easy, statistics say at least 50 million people are injured or disabled by road traffic crashes yearly. Join the cause and make the roads safer by spreading the word about why we must obey the road safety laws. It is everyone’s responsibility to save lives and protect those around you.

Stop On Red Week was created by the Federal Highway Administration in 1995 to reduce the severity of traffic collisions by educating the public. The week highlights the risks of running a red light and how reckless driving can destroy lives. The initiative was promoted by the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR) to ensure communities around the country remain protected.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes resulting from breaking the red light rule were responsible for more than 11,875 deaths, and approximately 139,000 people were injured between 2004 and 2018.

Here are some ways you can do your part to follow driver safety rules and keep you and others safe on the road:

Eliminate multitasking. Being distraction-free with both hands on the wheel allows you to react quickly to obstacles you’ll likely encounter while driving and adjust to the road when needed.

Three-second stop. Red means stop–whether that’s a red light or a stop sign. Rolling stops don’t count.

Leave room between vehicles. Stopping close to the vehicle in front of you increases the risk of a collision, removes the opportunity for maneuvering in case of an emergency, and hinders both driver’s visibility on the road.

Speak Up. It is good practice to pay attention to the roads as a passenger. If you have any doubts that your driver saw a road sign or incoming red lights, speak up.

You can make a difference. Whether it’s sharing your story, supporting safer road policies, or simply stopping at every red light — your action matters. Every life matters at every ligh