The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is participating in National Stop On Red Week which runs until Aug. 11.

Stafford County Sheriff's Office spokesman Bill Kennedy said the event is in conjunction with Stafford County Sheriff’s Office Survive the Drive Campaign, a year-long, continuous traffic safety campaign aimed at keeping Stafford County roads and motorists safe. In Virginia last year, 5,636 crashes with injuries involved a driver disregarding a traffic control device. There were 50 fatalities in Virginia last yeat in areas controlled by a traffic light, Kennedy said.

More half of the deaths recorded nationwide for those not stopping at a red light are innocent motorists and pedestrians. Distracted driving, drinking and driving, speeding and aggressive driving are major factors that contribute to the severity of these violations, he said.

“It is actually quite simple: just abide by the traffic control device at each intersection. Don’t run a red light and you may well save your own life and that of an innocent bystander," said Sheriff Charles Jett.

Want Fredericksburg news and information in your inbox? Learn more about free newsletters here.