Intersection crashes can be prevented by obeying traffic signals
To remind drivers that obeying traffic signs and signals at intersections can be a matter of life or death, the Federal Highway Administration has designated the first week of August as “National Stop on Red Week.”
“Intersections are some of the most dangerous places motorists encounter,” says Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald of the Wisconsin State Patrol. “There are many complex movements at intersections with vehicles entering, crossing and exiting at different points. Pedestrians and bicyclists also may be crossing at intersections. If drivers disregard the traffic controls by failing to stop completely at a red light or stop sign, they endanger themselves and others.”
Failing to obey a red light, stop sign or other traffic control device at an intersection is a serious violation that costs $175.30 with three demerit points, according to state law. Committing a second offense within a year costs $213.10 with another three points.
“To prevent intersection crashes, drivers must keep an alert eye on traffic moving into, through, and out of the intersection,” says Superintendent Fitzgerald. “Drivers should make it a habit to stop completely on red and not race through a yellow light to beat a red light. At a yellow light, drivers must stop unless they’re so close to the intersection that they can’t stop safely. Traffic engineering has improved the safety of intersections, so now it’s up to drivers to do their part.”
To remind drivers that obeying traffic signs and signals at intersections can be a matter of life or death, the Federal Highway Administration has designated the first week of August as “National Stop on Red Week.”
“Intersections are some of the most dangerous places motorists encounter,” says Superintendent Stephen Fitzgerald of the Wisconsin State Patrol. “There are many complex movements at intersections with vehicles entering, crossing and exiting at different points. Pedestrians and bicyclists also may be crossing at intersections. If drivers disregard the traffic controls by failing to stop completely at a red light or stop sign, they endanger themselves and others.”
Failing to obey a red light, stop sign or other traffic control device at an intersection is a serious violation that costs $175.30 with three demerit points, according to state law. Committing a second offense within a year costs $213.10 with another three points.
“To prevent intersection crashes, drivers must keep an alert eye on traffic moving into, through, and out of the intersection,” says Superintendent Fitzgerald. “Drivers should make it a habit to stop completely on red and not race through a yellow light to beat a red light. At a yellow light, drivers must stop unless they’re so close to the intersection that they can’t stop safely. Traffic engineering has improved the safety of intersections, so now it’s up to drivers to do their part.”