The Glendale Star reports that the month of March is "Red Light Running Awareness Month," where officials are taking extra initiatives to educate the community about the importance of stopping at a red light.
On March 9, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer officially declared Red Light Running Awareness Month for the state and stated her support for groups like the Red Means Stop Traffic Safety Alliance. An Arizona Department of Transportation study shows that 4,130 accidents in 2008 were caused by drivers who failed to stop at red lights.
Red light running specifically relates to DUI arrests, because police are often able to catch drunk drivers after they have ran a red light. Police officers in Arizona will not pull over a driver without a reason. Unless a driver has violated a traffic law, or the police needs to check the status of a vehicle license plate, or sees you fleeing the scene of a crime, then you’ll most likely not get pulled over. FindLaw also states that an officer is also normally not allowed to search a vehicle, but if the officer may be able to seize any illegal objects in your car that are in “plain view,” even if the officer does not have reasonable suspicion.
One of the best ways to avoid a DUI, is to simply avoid being pulled over by the cops. Running a red light in front of a police officer is a sure way to get pulled over. So whether you’ve been drinking or not, it’s best to play it safe and stay behind the marked line when the light turns red.
Related Resources:
- If You’re Stopped by the Police: FAQ (FindLaw)
- Running a Red Light/Stop Sign (FindLaw)
- Find an Arizona DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
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