Why Drivers Run Red Lights — And the Dangers They Create

Why do drivers run red lights, and what are the associated risks? Drivers run red lights due to distraction or negligence, and the greatest risk is a collision that can result in injury or, worse, death. 

Going through an intersection with a green light should not be frightening, but it is when you realize just how many types of accidents occur in them. If you are injured by a driver who ran a red light, speak with a Providence car accident lawyer today.

Common Reasons People Run Red Lights

There are potentially numerous reasons people run red lights, and sometimes, it may not be possible to know why someone did so. Unfortunately, most drivers who operate them do so intentionally. That means they knew the light was red or turning red and still went through it. Some of the reasons for this might include:

• Rushing. Drivers who are late or rushing from one place to another view the 2- to 3-minute stop at a red light as not worth stopping for.
• Phone use. Some drivers are using their phones and do not notice the red light soon enough to stop on time.
• Other distraction. Pets in the car, eating or drinking, or heated conversations are some additional reasons that people fail to stop.
• Speeding. There are some situations in which a driver is speeding, and even if they want to slow down, they cannot do so in time before the light turns red.
• Hazardous conditions. There are times when heavy rain, ice, or snow may cause a person to be unable to stop, and they end up going through the light. This is rarely the cause.

When you consider all of these and other reasons why a person might run a red light, it is clear that most of the time, this is a purposeful decision. 

When a light turns yellow, drivers should aim to stop, but instead, many accelerate to make it through before it turns red. Just being a split second too late can take the life of another person.

Consider How Common Running a Red Light Is

There is no real way to know how many people run red lights. Most often, no one is there to monitor all red lights and tag every driver who makes a potentially fatal mistake. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that 1,149 people died in car crashes in 2022 because of red light running.

They also note that thousands of injuries result from these accidents each year. In 2022, 107,000 serious injuries occurred across the country due to crashes caused by running a red light.

One study, Red Light Running Prediction and Analysis, looked at 19 intersections across four states that did not have red light safety cameras installed. It found that someone ran a red light at an average rate of 3.2 per hour per intersection. It is clear that running red lights is common and often deadly.

Consider the Risks of Running a Red Light

The consequences of running a red light may not seem likely to most people. Yet, the realization is, as statistics show, such actions can be life-threatening. Common outcomes of running a red light may include:

• Hitting another vehicle that has the right of way
• Striking a pedestrian who is walking in the crosswalk because they had a light to tell them to do so
• Hitting a bike rider crossing the street legally
• Making the light but causing two other vehicles to strike each other when they try to avoid you
• T-bone accidents that could strike and kill a passenger or the driver of another car

In addition to these risks to others, running a red light can result in receiving a ticket, having points added to your license, and, if it occurs frequently enough, losing your driving privileges. Knowing these risks, deciding to enter an intersection after a light turns red is a form of negligence. 

That means victims have the right to pursue fair compensation against those who cause such injuries in their case results.

Common Injuries When Drivers Run Red Lights

When a driver runs a red light, for example, traveling 50 miles per hour through an area, the risk of causing an accident is significant. Factors such as speed, the type of vehicle, and the angle of strike can cause a variety of injuries and damages to other vehicles or people struck by these drivers. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage, especially in bike and pedestrian accidents
• Lacerations and deep wounds
• Bone fractures and crushing
• Neck and back injuries
• Disfigurement and amputations
• Disability
• Emotional trauma

When such an accident occurs, drivers are often speeding rather than slowing down. That means the amount of force that often occurs can be intense, causing life-threatening injuries. When you are the victim of such an accident, and you can demonstrate that the other party ran a red light, you may be able to recover damages for all of these and other losses you have. Read our frequently asked questions today to learn more.

Proving You Were Hit by a Driver Who Ran a Red Light

One of the complications of these cases is proving that the driver who struck you did not have the right of way and was, in fact, running a red light. 

While traffic cameras and red light monitoring devices can offer some help, witness statements and your own dashcam video could also help. In extreme cases, your attorney will work on accident reconstruction to prove what took place, demonstrating the negligence of the at-fault driver.

Arm Yourself with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in These Cases

For over 50 years, Gemma Law Firm has provided families and victims with compassionate support as they navigate the complexities of personal injury law. 

Our Providence car accident attorney can help you hold those who hurt you due to running a red light accountable for your losses. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about what steps we can take to protect your right to recovery in an accident.