All Dane County law enforcement agencies are alerting drivers between March 14-23 about a focused effort to reduce red-light and stop-sign running. Coordinated by the Law Enforcement Group of the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission (TSC), this effort includes increased surveillance for violators and education for the community.
“These are traffic safety issues that continue to result in serious injuries or deaths of Dane County motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians,” said Lt. Matt Plendl, Waunakee Police Department and co-chair of the TSC Law Enforcement Group. Lt. Plendl noted that preliminary information for last year shows there were 269 crashes in the county caused by drivers running a red light or stop sign. These resulted in 169 persons seriously injured, and five persons killed. Over the last five years (2020 – 2024), nearly 1,000 persons were injured and 17
died.
“These are preventable collisions,” said Lt. Plendl. “Most people run red lights or roll through stop signs because they are in a hurry, when in fact it only saves seconds. Other reasons include driving too fast, distraction or inattentiveness, poor weather or road conditions, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And yellow doesn’t mean ‘speed up.’ Drivers who could have stopped safely are making a reckless choice that puts them and other road users in danger.”
Lt. Plendl noted a 2023 AAA study showed 27% of drivers admitting running a red light in the past 30 days, with the highest rates among drivers 16-24 years old.
“When crashes do occur, injuries are often more severe because speed is involved. When two vehicles collide, it usually results in a T-bone type of crash,” he said.
The City of Madison Department of Transportation Traffic Engineering Division identified the following as among Madison top high crash intersections, where drivers should be especially cautious.
Mineral Point Rd. at Pleasant View roundabout
Buckeye Rd. at S. Stoughton Rd.
S. Gammon Rd. at Watts Rd.
E. Washington Ave. at Zeier Rd.
E. Washington Ave. at N. Fair Oaks / Wright St.
Odana Rd. at S. Gammon Rd.
Pflaum Rd. at S. Stoughton Rd.
John Nolen Dr. at N. Shore Dr.
E. Washington Ave. at Portage Rd. / Thierer Rd.
John Nolen Dr. at Rimrock Rd.
Especially risky intersections in Dane County outside Madison include:
E. Broadway at Monona Dr. (Monona)
Windsor Rd. at N. Bird St. (Sun Prairie)
Stoughton Rd. at E. Broadway (Monona)
W Main St. at Thompson Rd. (Sun Prairie)
S. Grand Ave. at Prairie Lakes Dr. (Sun Prairie)
Lt. Plendl said officers throughout the county will remind drivers of the following recommendations to reduce red light/stop sign crashes and injuries:
If the light is green, approach cautiously. Watch for incoming vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians that may not see you coming. Prepare to brake if needed.
If the light is yellow as you approach the intersection, safely stop. It doesn’t mean “speed up.”
If turning on red, look for bicyclists coming up from behind you or pedestrians starting to cross.
After stopping on red, pause when the light turns green. Make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
At a stop sign, come to a complete stop. Look both ways. Incoming traffic with no stop sign has right-of-way. If a four-way stop, the vehicle that stopped first has right-of-way. If several stopped simultaneously, right-of-way goes to that on your right.
Consider how weather and road conditions might affect stopping time.
Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road the same as a motor vehicle.
“During this enforcement period, we will be especially watchful for drivers not following these laws, Lt. Plendl said. “Violators will be pulled over and given warnings or citations. First red-light violations will cost $98 – $175 and a first stop sign violation costs $175. But most importantly, remember that a simple error in judgement can result in a life-changing injury or even a tragic fatality.”
After March 24, the Traffic Safety Commission will be sharing the results, including the number of citations issued.
