The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Opinion

April 13, 2010

Target Red

Campaign to enforce traffic law

Staff Writer The Register-Herald

BECKLEY — Since its inception in 2008, Target Red (aka Stop on Red) has done much more than cut down on traffic accidents caused by motorists who run red lights. It has united a community.

Electronic billboards at area businesses, magnets handed out at local churches, even signs in windows prove the Beckley area cares about saving lives.

A two-week campaign begins this Friday — the third year for Target Red in our community — aimed at getting the attention of motorists and reinforcing the message that red means stop. Officers throughout the region will be out concentrating on red light patrols through April 30.

Thousands are injured and hundreds killed each year in the United States because irresponsible motorists ignore red lights and stop signs. The costs associated with medical expenses, insurance rates and vehicle repair are difficult to track, but certainly high.

A local church kicked off the grassroots effort after a careless driver ran a red light and seriously injured the church pianist as she drove home from choir practice. The Governor’s Highway Safety Program and local police enthusiastically jumped on board, seizing the opportunity to educate drivers, prevent injuries and enforce the law.

It worked here and has been expanded throughout West Virginia.

Target Red will keep preventing fatalities, injuries and expenses.

By all means, if you’re a driver, stop on red. If you’re a business, promote the Target Red campaign.

Take pride in the example our community has set, sport a red shirt this Friday, and support this worthwhile campaign that saves lives.

Text Only
Opinion
  • Patriotism

    We’ve just celebrated Independence Day. Some time during the weekend, most church goers sang a patriotic hymn such as “America the Beautiful” or “My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” Those who caught a Miners game this weekend had the opportunity to participate in our national anthem.

    July 7, 2010

  • Thumbs

    June 12, 2010

  • Target Red

    Since its inception in 2008, Target Red (aka Stop on Red) has done much more than cut down on traffic accidents caused by motorists who run red lights. It has united a community.

    April 13, 2010

  • Gangs?

    Is there organized gang activity in the Beckley area and nearby communities?

    April 6, 2010

  • Editorials

    Click here for Editorials

    February 24, 2010

  • Our Readers Speak

    Click here for Our Readers Speak

    February 24, 2010

  • Columns

    Click here for Columns

    February 24, 2010

Business Marquee
Balancing Act
Web Special Sections
  • Special Web Sections

    Click HERE for stories about natural gas and Marcellus shale gas extraction.

    Click HERE for stories about the Upper Big Branch mine disaster.

    Click HERE for stories about the passing of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

    Click HERE for stories from The Greenbrier Classic PGA TOUR event.

    August 6, 2010

AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys