Deaths Caused by Drivers Running Red Lights Hits Highest Number in 10 Years
In 2017, reckless drivers who ran red lights on U.S. roads contributed to the deaths of 939 people. This is an increase of 28 percent compared to data sourced in 2012.
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“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,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “The data shows that red light running continues to be a traffic safety challenge. All road safety stakeholders must work together to change behavior and identify effective countermeasures.”
The latest study from AAA also found that 28 percent of deaths occurring at intersections with signals are caused by drivers who fail to stop at a red light.
“Nearly half (46 percent) of those killed in red light running crashes were passengers or people in other vehicles and more than 5 percent were pedestrians or cyclists. Just over 35 percent of those killed were the drivers who ran the red light,” according to AAA.
Law enforcement and proper implementation of red light cameras are ways to help address these heart-breaking statistics.
“Deaths caused by red light running are on the rise,” said Jessica Cicchino, IIHS Vice President for Research. “Cameras increase the odds that violators will get caught, and well-publicized camera programs discourage would-be violators from taking those odds. Camera enforcement is a proven way to reduce red light running and save lives.”
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Also crucial to the change (which is the most challenging of all) is for drivers, who drive recklessly, to recognize their deadly driving habits and commit to being safer drivers.
News Source: AAA
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