The Dangers of Winter Driving and How to Stay Safe
Winter driving can be dangerous for drivers of all ages. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter days all increase the risk of crashes. Roads that seem safe can quickly become slippery, and drivers may have less time to react. Knowing the dangers and how to prepare can help keep everyone safer during winter months. One major danger of winter driving is icy roads. Ice is often hard to see and can form on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. When tires lose traction, vehicles can slide and become difficult to control. Snow and slush can also make it harder to stop or steer. Even light snowfall can lead to dangerous road conditions. Visibility is another serious concern. Snow, fog, and blowing wind can reduce how far drivers can see ahead. Shorter daylight hours mean more driving in the dark, especially during morning and evening commutes. These conditions make it harder to spot pedestrians, cyclists, and[...]
Stop on Red Week 2025: A Movement Fueled by Unity and Action
Every first week of August, communities, law enforcement, and advocates across the country pause to shine a light on one of the most preventable causes of roadway tragedy: running red lights. Stop on Red Week 2025 was more than an awareness campaign—it was a rallying cry for safety, accountability, and community resilience. As President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR), I had the privilege of witnessing this movement grow into a national wave of advocacy that touches thousands of people every year. Welcome! If you’re new here, I’m Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR). I get to work alongside passionate advocates, law enforcement, community leaders, and public health professionals to make our roads safer for everyone. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, highlight actionable strategies, and help communities prevent collisions and save lives. This year’s theme, “Safe Stops. Stronger Communities,” grounded the week in what matters[...]
It Won’t Happen to Me … Until It Does: A National Safety Month Wake-Up Call
On average, 116 lives are lost in traffic crashes every single day in the United States*. This number is more than strangers on the news, it represents mothers, fathers, children, spouses, coworkers and friends. And here’s the hard truth: You never think it will happen to you, until it does. As someone who speaks and advocates for safe driving, especially around school buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, and fellow drivers, I know how easy it is for people to tune out the message. We’ve heard to “Drive Safe” a thousand times, but we don’t let it sink in. June is National Safety Month, and I want to invite you to pause and truly ask yourself: Are you driving in a way that protects not only your life, but the lives of others? Face the Truth Crashes aren’t caused by “bad” drivers, they are caused by bad decisions. These include: Checking a text. Speeding up to beat a[...]
Stop on Red Week 2025: Every Life Matters at Every Light
Every single day in America, someone is killed or seriously injured at an intersection — where lives cross paths and, too often, change forever in an instant. These moments of carelessness come at a heartbreaking cost. I know this all too well. Hi, I’m Melissa Wandall — President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads, founder, advocate, motivational speaker, and, most importantly, a mom. My life was forever changed by a red-light runner, and that tragedy became the driving force behind my mission to save lives and create safer roads for all. As we approach Stop on Red Week 2025, held August 3–9, I’m asking you to pause, reflect, and take action. This isn’t just a safety campaign — it’s a national call to conscience. Why Stop on Red Week Matters Stop on Red Week 2025 is about more than just traffic signals. It’s about lives. Families. Futures. It’s about reminding drivers[...]
2025 Roadmap to Safety: A Guide to Protecting Lives on the Road
Millions of Americans head out on the road every day—driving to work, taking kids to school, or running errands. Most of us don’t think twice about the potential risks, but the truth is hard to ignore: on average, 116 people die and more than 6,500 people are seriously injured in road collisions in the U.S. every single day (NHTSA, 2022). Those aren’t just numbers to me—they’re mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters whose families will never be the same. There is good news, though: NHTSA recently estimated 39,345 traffic fatalities in 2024—the lowest fatality rate since 2019. That progress shows us what’s possible when communities, lawmakers, technology, and advocates come together. But it also reminds us there’s more work to do—because even one death is too many. Welcome! If you’re new here, I’m Melissa Wandall, President of the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR). I get to work alongside passionate advocates,[...]
Are red light camera programs saving lives? Officials and data disagree
This article first appeared in Wesh Orlando News on April 11, 2024 - click here Florida cities and counties that have red light camera programs insist they are saving lives and reducing serious injuries. Proving that idea is complicated, according to WESH 2 Investigates' review of available data. Certainly, no one argues that red light running can be deadly. Each year in the U.S., there are roughly 165,000 crashes, 1,000 deaths, and 127,000 injuries. The red light camera program in the state, launched in July 2010, was intended to reduce those numbers. Some drivers fight the $158 "Notices Of Violation" in court. WESH 2 Investigates observed a day of court hearings in Orange County court, where most drivers ended up paying the fines. Evelyn Mack claimed family members borrowed her car and ran red lights, getting notices of violation. She didn’t bring a required affidavit swearing to that assertion to court and ended up[...]