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Injuries from ignoring red lights have increased

On Behalf of | Sep 14, 2021 | Personal Injury

¡Detente por una luz roja! A red light means to stop. However, people often ignore this, and those who live in the Phoenix metro area and other parts of Arizona may want to learn more. Did you know that red light runners kill more than two people every day on roads in the U.S.? impatient drivers plow through red lights, causing injuries and deaths.

The tendency for drivers to run red lights has increased, reaching a 10-year high. Per capita, Arizona has the highest rate of red light running fatalities of all the states.

Most view it as dangerous, yet…

Although 85% of people view running a red light as dangerous, 1 in 3 people admit to running a red light in the past 30 days. These same people feel that police will not stop them. The truth is that it is against the law, and you could end up in jail.

Cameras, education and safety help

Cameras are part of a safety program strategy. Education is also necessary. Cameras increase the chance of a violator getting caught, reduce red light running and result in saved lives.

You can prepare to stop

When entering an intersection, after the light has turned green, take a few seconds to look both ways before proceeding. This is driving defensively. Be aware that lights that have been green for a while have more of a chance of turning red. Learn the pattern of traffic lights, and slow down when needed.

Pedestrians can do their part

Wait. Make sure all cars have stopped before you cross an intersection on foot or by bicycle. Motor vehicle accidents may happen when you are not alert. Wearing headphones stops you from being aware of everything that is going on.

Stay in areas that are well-lit, especially at night. You can also make eye contact with the driver to make sure he or she is aware of you crossing in front of his or her car.

With red light-running deaths on the increase, you can do your part as a driver to stop when the light turns red. As a pedestrian, you can be aware and look before you cross, making sure all the cars are not moving.