The Dangers of Running Red Lights
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
There have been several times when you may be sitting at a red light patiently waiting for it to turn green so you can cross the intersection. Once the light changes, you proceed with caution knowing that many people run red lights and not paying attention to oncoming traffic may result in serious injury.Running a red light is against the law and is incredibly dangerous. Even if it was accidental, the consequences could be catastrophic for everyone involved. Red light running can cause collisions, serious injury, and even death.
What Does It Really Mean to Run a Red Light?
If you were in the middle of the intersection when the light turned red, then you are not breaking the law because the light was still green as you entered the intersection. Therefore, this isn't technically considered red light running, but it is still dangerous.
However, running a red light means that a driver enters the intersection after the light has already turned red and this also includes drivers making a right-hand turn on red without first completing coming to a stop.
Common Cause of Accidents
Running a red light is a common cause of accidents in the U.S. with more than 3 million drivers running a red light last year alone. Many drivers run red lights because of reckless driving and negligence. They failed to pay attention.
Why You Should Stop at Every Red Light
First of all, running a red light is illegal, so that gives you a very good reason to stop for each one. Also, running a red light is extremely dangerous and can cost innocent lives. In 2016, more than 800 people died because of red light running, and that number continues to rise.
Red Light Cameras
To help deter red light running, red light cameras have been installed in several intersections. It is a type of traffic enforcement camera that can capture the image of a vehicle once it enters the intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
Drivers often confuse red light cameras for regular traffic cameras, however. The big difference between the two is that the red light cameras can take the photo and then citations can be issued for the infraction. Traffic cameras are just to monitor traffic.
Auto Accident Due to Red Light Running
Whether the driver was distracted, driving recklessly, or accidentally ran the red light, doing so is dangerous and can cause accidents including vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and t-bone accidents.
You can suffer minor injuries like scrapes and bruises or for the more severe auto accidents; you may find you experience whiplash, soft tissue injuries, sprained joints, head injuries, and even back injuries.
The fault for running a red light is determined most often by witness statements and whatever other evidence they can find. Photos and camera footage of the intersection also prove to be useful.
If you have been involved in an accident because of red light running, you should take care to document everything you can to include in the police report and then consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your options.