It's National Stop on Red Week, and PennDOT is reminding drivers to follow traffic signals

In PennDOT District 1, there were 280 red-light running crashes in 2021. The number has been on the rise since 2019. This includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.

An average of two people died each day in the U.S in red-light related crashes in 2019. 

PennDOT said running a red light is classified as aggressive driving behavior, and it puts drivers at an increased risk of a crash.

Drivers are asked to keep the following in mind when traffic signals change.

  • Red Light: When there is a steady red light, stop before crossing the marked stop line or crosswalk. If you cannot see any lines, stop before entering the intersection. Wait for a green light before you start. You may turn right while the light is red, unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted at the intersection. You must first stop, check for and yield to pedestrians and other traffic. You may also turn left after you stop at a red light, if you are in the left lane and are turning left from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign tells you not to turn. You must first stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic
  • Yellow Light: A steady yellow light indicates a steady red light will soon appear. If you are driving toward an intersection and a yellow light appears, slow down and prepare to stop. If you are within the intersection or cannot stop safely before entering the intersection, continue through carefully. 
  • Green Light: A steady green light means you may drive through the intersection if the road is clear. You may also turn right or left unless a sign tells you not to; however, when turning, you must yield to other vehicles and pedestrians within the intersection. 

Stop on Red Week runs through Aug. 13.