ADA COUNTY — Agencies across Ada County are teaming up once again to promote safe driving habits during National Stop on Red Week. This year, the national event runs August 2–8.

The Ada County Highway District (ACHD), Ada County Sheriff's Office, Boise Police Department, Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), Garden City Police Department, Meridian Fire Department, and Meridian Police Department are partnering to highlight the importance of stopping at red lights and stop signs. This year's theme is "Stop Today, Protect Tomorrow." Red light running remains one of the most dangerous traffic violations, and the campaign aims to raise awareness while reinforcing a shared responsibility for safety on the road.

“As the area grows, so does the importance of following the rules of the road,” said ACHD Director Ryan Head. “Stopping at a red light or stop sign takes only a few seconds, but that simple decision helps ensure everyone gets to their destination safely.”

Throughout the week, these organizations will leverage digital media platforms to spread awareness and educate the public about the dangers of running red lights and ignoring stop signs. The campaign will also feature Wear Red Wednesday, encouraging residents and agency partners to wear red as a visible reminder of the importance of stopping at every red light.

“Every time a driver chooses to run a red light, they put other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at unnecessary risk,” said Jordan Robinson, spokesperson for Meridian Police. “Through targeted enforcement during Stop on Red Week, we hope to remind drivers that a few extra seconds at an intersection can make all the difference in preventing a tragedy.”

Nationally, more than 1,100 people were killed in crashes involving red light running in 2024, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In Idaho that same year, 7,919 drivers were cited for failing to obey traffic control devices, making it the fourth most common traffic violation in the state, according to the Idaho Office of Highway Safety.

“Our firefighters see firsthand the devastating impact traffic crashes can have on individuals, families, and our community,” added Robinson, who also represents Meridian Fire. “Many of these incidents are preventable. Stopping at every red light is one of the simplest actions drivers can take to help reduce serious crashes and allow everyone to arrive home safely.”

The goal of the campaign is not only to enforce laws but to change behavior through education and shared responsibility.

“Stop on Red Week is an important reminder that one simple choice can make a life-saving difference on roads across our region. Red-light running puts drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk, but these crashes are preventable when we all follow traffic signals and stay alert,” said COMPASS Executive Director Craig Raborn. “This week encourages everyone in the Treasure Valley to slow down, stop on red, and make safe decisions behind the wheel. Stopping at every red light is a good move that helps keep our communities safer.”

To follow the campaign, watch for posts from participating agencies on social media throughout the week.