Deaths Caused by Drivers Running Red Lights at 10-Year High

AAA recently published a study that claims deaths caused by drivers running red lights are at a 10-year high across the country. In 2017 alone, there were 939 deaths from running red lights, which is a 28% increase since 2012, as reported by AAA. Of those deaths, about half were passengers or people in other vehicles, not the driver running the red light.

When a traffic light turns red, drivers are expected to stop safely before entering the intersection. The same study reported that 85% recognize that running a red light is dangerous, but a third of those drivers admitted running a red light in the past month when they could’ve stopped safely. Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said, “Drivers who decide to run a red light when they could have stopped safely are making a reckless choice that puts other road users in danger.”

In fact, nearly a third of car crashes that occur at intersections are caused by drivers blowing through red lights. Red light running is a growing problem, as the numbers show, so what can be done to reduce deaths in intersections? Some people might suggest more police presence, but they can’t patrol every intersection. Some other ways to reduce accidents caused by drivers running red lights are:

• Implementation of red light cameras at intersections that are statistically more dangerous
• Following the speed limit
• Anticipating a light might turn red before you reach the intersection
• Driving defensively by waiting a second after a light turns green to enter the intersection
• Limit distraction while driving and stay attentive at all times
• Pedestrians should never assume crossing the street is completely safe, and should always stay alert

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at an intersection in Marion, IL, it might have been caused by another driver running a red light. The other driver’s negligent or reckless actions should be punished because they caused harm to another person. At Prince Law Firm, we will fight for justice for you so that you can receive compensation for your injuries. If you need legal help after a car accident, contact us so we can discuss your case.