KEARNEY, Neb. (KPD) – During the month of June, Kearney Police Officers will place an emphasis on traffic signal violations throughout the entire city. Officers will use marked patrol cars, unmarked vehicles, and the police motorcycles to monitor the signals.
At a red light (solid or flashing), motorists must come to a complete stop prior to a limit line, entering the crosswalk at the near side of the intersection, or entering the intersection itself.
Disregarding a traffic signal can be dangerous. In August of 2020, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, there were 164 accidents statewide during the month caused by a motorist disregarding a traffic signal. Of the 164 accidents, 2 were fatal, 91 were injury, and 71 were property damage.
Running a red light is traffic infraction. While our main goal is changing behavior toward safe driving and reducing the risk associated with traffic signal violations to include fatality and injury crashes as well as property damage, violators are also subject to fines. In Nebraska the fine for a traffic signal violation is seventy-five dollars plus court fees of forty-nine dollars for a total of one hundred twenty-nine dollars, with one point being deducted from your Operators License. There is also a chance that your auto insurance premiums could increase.
“The continued safety and education of our community related to safe driving behavior is the ultimate goal of our priority traffic enforcement efforts. Traffic Signal violations are a primary contributing factor in most right of way collisions, we encourage you to be aware of the laws and avoid the risk associated with running red lights. Our officers will focus on traffic signals throughout the city with high visibility enforcement efforts, as well as creative methods, in an effort to change behavior and prevent the potential tragic results of running red lights. “– Chief Bryan D. Waugh
There are several ways to avoid running a red light, drivers are reminded to:
1. Know yellow light laws. In Nebraska drivers may only enter the intersection on yellow if it is impossible or unsafe to stop.
2. Control your speed. Speed has a major impact on how efficiently and safely you can travel through stop lights. Traffic engineers set the length of yellow and red signals based on how fast vehicles on the roads are expected to be traveling, and the safe stopping distance they’ll need at that speed. Often, the posted speed limit is used as the assumed approach speed. If you are driving faster than the posted speed limit you’ll need a longer stopping distance, and the yellow light may not be long enough for you to come to a safe stop before the light turns red.
Follow the Kearney Police Departments Facebook and Twitter pages during the month of June for more statistics and helpful hints regarding traffic signals.
Please drive safely and help us to reduce the number accidents caused by disregarding traffic signals.
