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 most: protecting our loved ones and building safer communities. Let’s dive into the amazing week.
Why Stop on Red Week Matters
Every year, hundreds of people die or are seriously injured because someone made the decision not to stop at a red light. The ripple effects of that choice devastate families, shake communities, and remind us that traffic safety isn’t about numbers—it’s about people.
Stop on Red Week 2025 called all road users to remember this truth. Through educational campaigns, community events, and conversations online, we brought attention back to a simple but life-saving action: stopping when the light turns red. This year’s theme reminds us that every safe stop contributes to stronger communities.
The Power of Grassroots Movements
This year, I partnered with the Florida Department of Transportation, city leaders, first responders, and law enforcement across Florida to host press conferences that put intersection safety front and center. Police officers, elected officials, and advocates stood side by side, reminding drivers that stopping on red isn’t just a rule—it’s a responsibility that saves lives.
And the response was incredible. During National Stop on Red Week (August 3–9), nearly 1,500 people visited the NCSR website and accessed our materials. Our campaign offered visitors the option to download and customize our campaign materials to spread the message of safety in their communities. Nationally, our social campaign reached nearly ten thousand people, sparking conversations and action across communities. On social media, our message gained traction through shares, conversations, and speaking events that extended beyond Florida. Community leaders and media outlets amplified the message in ways that made it impossible to ignore.
The impact of this week reminded me once again that when we unite for a common cause, we can shift behaviors, protect families, and build safer communities. None of this would have been possible without the network of dedicated partners who stepped forward with passion and purpose.
I’m especially grateful for the leadership of Loreen Bobo, Safety Administrator at FDOT District 5, and Stephanie Phillips, Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator at FDOT District 5’s Office of Safety. Their dedication fueled the energy behind this year’s efforts. I also want to acknowledge the incredible support from the Space Coast, Volusia-Flagler, and Ocala Marion Transportation Planning Organizations. Each one played a key role in expanding the reach of the campaign, showing what’s possible when communities collaborate for safer roads.
Together, we proved that grassroots momentum is powerful. When voices rise in unison, change follows—and when drivers make safe stops, communities grow stronger.
The Power of Testimony
Numbers catch attention, but stories move hearts. Throughout the week, survivors, advocates, and families shared their experiences—powerful reminders that every statistic represents a real life, a real death, or a real recovery.
These voices gave meaning to the campaign’s message. Hearing directly from those impacted by red-light running brought urgency to our collective work. It reminded motorists that their choices behind the wheel aren’t just personal—they affect everyone around them, reinforcing the theme: Safe Stops. Stronger Communities.
Advocacy in Action
Stop on Red Week 2025 also showed how digital advocacy can spark nationwide impact. Our campaign resources, from social media graphics to our toolkit, were shared far and wide. Organizations, municipalities, and individuals amplified the message, making safety a topic of conversation in places it might not otherwise reach.
The data tells the story:
- Nearly 1,500 visitors engaged with the NCSR website during the week.
- Campaign materials connected people with tools, facts, and resources.
- Social content reached tens of thousands, spreading the reminder to stop on red into homes, schools, and workplaces across the nation.
This reach was the result of committed individuals and organizations who shared, reposted, and elevated the message within their own communities.
Now, We Build on Momentum
Stop on Red Week may last for seven days once a year, but its mission is ongoing. The true success of this campaign lies in how well we carry its lessons forward.
For the National Coalition for Safer Roads, that means:
- Continuing to advocate for safer infrastructure.
- Partnering with local and national leaders to push for education and enforcement.
- Equipping communities with the resources they need to lead meaningful safety conversations.
But lasting change also requires personal responsibility. Each of us has the power to make our roads safer by committing to one simple action: stop on red. Every safe stop helps create stronger communities.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
As I reflect on Stop on Red Week 2025, I am filled with gratitude. This campaign is not just about traffic lights—it’s about people. It’s about protecting families, honoring those who have died or been seriously injured, and creating a safer future.
To every advocate who raised their voice, every community leader who stepped forward, every partner who shared resources, and every driver who made the choice to stop: thank you. You are part of this movement, and your actions matter.
Together, we are proving that change is possible. Together, we are saving lives. And together, through safe stops, we are building stronger communities.
Did you take part in National Stop on Red Week? I’d love to hear what you thought. If you have questions about traffic safety or want tips for keeping your community safer, connect with me on Instagram @m3_motivateme. And for more ways to protect lives on the road, explore my other blogs below.
