Running Red Lights Increases the Chances of Auto Accidents
Injury and accident victims throughout Orange County know that our law firm offers sound legal representation, always fighting diligently for the rights of the injured and their families. We have years of experience in personal injury law and wrongful death litigation, which includes handling lawsuits that involve major auto accidents.
Running a red light can result in serious injuries and even fatalities. These kinds of accidents are all the more tragic since they are easily avoided. Let's look into these matters in greater detail.
Red Light Auto Accident Statistics
The numbers tell a chilling story. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 2.5 million intersection accidents occur every year. These accidents in intersections comprise up to 50 percent of all traffic collisions in a given year. These intersection collisions also account for around 20 percent of all traffic fatalities annually.
Specifically with regard to running red lights, it's estimated that this leads to 165,000 collisions every year. From this number, around 700 to 800 fatalities occur.
Why Running Red Lights Is So Dangerous
When someone runs a red light, this increases the chances of a serious collision occurring. This is especially true of t-bone accidents, which can be extremely deadly if a car traveling at full speed hits someone on the driver or passenger side.
There is also the possibility of hitting unsuspecting pedestrians and bicyclists. They can sustain severe injuries given how vulnerable they are on the road.
Reasons Why People Run Red Lights
There are many reasons why a person my run a red light. These include the following:
- Being impatient or in a rush
- Speeding
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Driver inattention
- Drunk driving
- Reckless driving
- Vehicle defects (e.g., brake malfunctions)
- Traffic signal obscured
- Poor placement of the traffic signal
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Poor weather
Beating a Yellow Light Is a Serious Hazard
A yellow light is a warning to slow down, not an invitation to speed up. Yet time and time again, drivers continue to barrel through yellow lights, accelerating once they see the yellow light come up. This can lead to horrendous injuries and accidents, with drivers pushing their luck as they barrel through an intersection.
Drive with Caution at All Times
It's important that drivers proceed with caution and common sense at all times. Always come to a full stop at intersections, and be sure to slow down when you see a yellow light ahead of you. Before proceeding through an intersection as a light turns green, it can be prudent to look left and right to ensure no one (car, bicycle, or pedestrian) is running a red light while traveling perpendicular to your vehicle.
A combination of common sense and common courtesy can keep everyone on the road safe.
How Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help
Working with experienced attorneys offers peace of mind. While you and your loved ones focus on recovery and moving forward, your lawyer can navigate the legal system and ensure your rights and interests are respected. Your lawyer will also ensure the negligent party is held accountable, whether it's a motorist, a company, or a local government/municipality.
Contact the Law Offices of Sean M. Burke
For more information about your legal options following a serious accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these issues in much greater detail.
