Running Red Lights: Causes, Dangers, and Consequences

One of the most crucial things we learn in driving school is the meaning of traffic lights. When the green light is on, drivers can start or keep driving. Yellow tells motorists to slow down in expectation of the red light. When the right light comes on, drivers must stop. Disregarding traffic lights is against the law. It can also be extremely dangerous. This is especially true if a driver runs a red light. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to ignore traffic signals. Some motorists run red lights for various reasons. This article discusses the causes, dangers, and consequences of running red lights.

What Does It Mean To Run a Red Light?

Before going into the causes, dangers, and consequences of running red lights, it is important that we first understand what it means to run a red light. The red light means a driver should stop. A driver runs a red light when they keep driving through an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. Running a red light is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous.

Why Do Drivers Run Red Lights?

Drivers run red lights for various reasons. The following are some of the main reasons why drivers run red lights:

Impatience

One of the most significant contributors to red light violations is impatience. Drivers may feel frustrated by the perceived delay at a red light, resulting in them taking risks, including running the red light. For instance, drivers running late for work, school, or other engagements might be more inclined to run a red light to “save time.”

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is engaging in another activity that diverts attention from driving. When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, fiddling with the radio, eating or drinking, grooming, or engaging in another activity while behind the wheel, they may not notice traffic signals changing. As a result, they may run a red light.

Recklessness

Recklessness is characterized by a blatant disregard for traffic laws and the safety of others. For example, drivers may run a red light because they believe they can beat it.

Dangers of Running Red Lights

Running red lights poses significant dangers to everyone on the road, including other drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. Running red lights increases the risk of traffic collisions. These accidents can lead to injuries and deaths. According to the IIHS, running red lights causes thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths annually. The IIHS reports that in 2022 alone, more than 1,100 people were killed in traffic collisions involving red light running.

Consequences of Red Light Running

Red light running is illegal. The exact penalties for running a red light depend on the jurisdiction. But penalties can include traffic citations and fines. Running a red light can also add points to a driver’s license. The consequences for running a red light can escalate when running a red light results in an accident. In such a case, the driver who ran the red light may be held liable for the harm caused. Injured parties may file a personal injury claim and recover compensation for, among others, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Legal Help Is Available

Our Charleston car accident lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm has experience helping victims of car accidents, including victims of red light accidents, pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for help if you’ve been in a red light accident.

Source:

iihs.org/topics/red-light-running#:~:text=Red%20light%20runners%20cause,the%20red%20light%20runners.