The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is launching a two-week campaign called “Red Means Stop In Any Language” to increase red-light safety awareness.The goal is to partner with drivers to enhance safety on Collier area roads.
Beginning Thursday, CCSO will post informational signs about red-light safety at several major intersections in Collier County. In addition, the agency will be working with the media to remind motorists of the dangers of red-light running and offer tips to help drivers stay safe. CCSO will also be promoting red-light safety information on colliersheriff.org and its YouTube channel.
During the second week of the campaign, which begins April 16, deputies will focus on red-light enforcement. In addition to concentrating their efforts on red-light running, they will also be watching for speed violations as drivers approach signalized intersections. Speeding is one of the causes of red-light crashes.
The second week of the campaign also coincides with the activation of the county’s first red-light cameras, which will be located at the intersection of Airport-Pulling and Pine Ridge roads. These cameras and others like them will provide deputies with another tool when it comes to keeping Collier County roads safe.
Red-light running is dangerous. In 2007 there were 132 crashes related to red-light running in Collier County. Nationwide, more than 1,000 people are killed and over 180,000 people are injured each year due to red-light runners. These crashes cost motorists a collective $14 billion annually, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
CCSO offers these tips for red-light safety:
* Don’t speed
* Be alert to your surroundings
* Be patient
* Avoid distractions like talking on the cell phone or eating while driving
* Don’t try to beat the red light
