City observing Stop on Red Week for traffic safety
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

In an effort to make the public aware of the danger in driving through red traffic lights, the city of Thousand Oaks is observing Stop on Red Week this week, through Sat., Aug. 12.

The campaign is part of a national safety program created by the Federal Highway Administration in 1995 and held each August in more than 200 communities. The goal of the National Stop on Red Week program is to reestablish respect for traffic signals and save lives.

Red-light running is a huge and growing problem, according to the FHA. Each year, more than 1.8 million intersection crashes occur in the United States. In 2003, about 206,000 were due to red-light running, resulting in 934 deaths and 176,000 injuries. Between 1993 and 2003, fatal motor vehicle crashes increased 13.2 percent, double the 6.6 percent rise in all other fatal crashes.

The FHA has found that drivers are either not aware of the dangers of running red lights or perceive the risk as being low. This population segment tends to run red lights due to workand family-related stress, perceived time savings, impatience and the idea that running a red light is not a serious traffic offense.

This is the first time the campaign is being held in Thousand Oaks. It's sponsored by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol, Farmer's Insurance and Classic Limousine Service. The Thousand Oaks City Council issued a proclamation in honor of the program.

"I urge all residents to observe this important public safety week," said Mayor Dennis Gillette.