CHICAGO- The dangerous risks of rolling stops are highlighted in a new video released by the Traffic Safety Coalition. The video, entitled “Stop On Red – It’s the Law,” uses actual red light running crash footage and close-calls with pedestrians to remind drivers why a complete stop on red is always necessary.

“Rolling stops are against the law because they put pedestrians and cyclists at risk,” said Paul Oberhauser, co-chair of the Traffic Safety Coalition. “It is our goal to remind drivers that this all too common behavior is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous and can have serious consequences.”

Roughly 5,000 non-motorists are killed in car crashes every year. In 2009, 24 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occurred in intersections. Similarly, 33 percent of all pedal-cyclist fatalities occurred in intersections in 2008.

Rolling stops, performed when drivers disregard a red light to make a right-hand turn, place pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks particularly at risk.

For other safety-related videos, check out our recent post about a video from the California Auto Club about texting while driving.