Over the past decade, deaths caused by drivers running red lights have remained alarmingly high — and in recent years, they have increased even beyond levels once considered a “10-year high.”
In 2017, a landmark AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study reported 939 deaths caused by red-light running, marking what was then the highest total in at least ten years. At the time, the finding raised serious concerns for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone who uses public roadways.
Unfortunately, newer data shows the problem has not improved.
According to the most recent national traffic safety reports, more than 1,000 people are now killed every year in crashes involving drivers who run red lights. In 2023 alone, approximately 1,086 people lost their lives, and well over 130,000 others were injured in red-light-related crashes. That means fatalities from red-light running today are higher than they were at the 2017 peak, reinforcing that this dangerous behavior remains a persistent and growing threat on U.S. roads.
One of the most troubling aspects of red-light running crashes — both historically and today — is who is being killed. Studies consistently show that roughly half of all fatalities are not the drivers who ran the red light. Instead, victims often include passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. In many cases, the person making the reckless decision survives, while innocent road users suffer fatal consequences.
This trend reflects a broader issue of drivers becoming increasingly relaxed — or reckless — around traffic signals. Misjudging a yellow light, accelerating to “beat” a red, or assuming an intersection is clear can be just as deadly as running a light that is already red. At signalized intersections, these split-second decisions often lead to high-speed side-impact (T-bone) collisions, which are among the most severe and deadly types of crashes.
Over the last 10 years, red-light running has contributed to thousands of preventable deaths and hundreds of thousands of serious injuries, placing an enormous emotional and financial burden on victims, families, and communities. Medical costs, lost income, long-term disabilities, and property damage are only part of the lasting impact left behind by these crashes.
The continued rise in red-light-related fatalities highlights the urgent need for action. Drivers must take personal responsibility for obeying traffic signals and slowing down at intersections. At the same time, public awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement, intersection design improvements, and traffic-safety technology all play a critical role in reducing these deadly crashes.
If you are concerned about the ongoing rise in red-light running deaths — and the risk they pose to you and your loved ones — understanding the dangers and practicing defensive driving at intersections can help save lives. Below are some of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your passengers from red-light running crashes.
Avoid Distraction
A good tip for any driver in any situation is to avoid distractions as much as possible. That means lowering the volume on the radio, leaving your phone in your center console or out of arm’s reach, and making sure that the passengers in your car are not intentionally distracting to you.
In the face of the rising threat of red light running crashes, avoiding distractions while driving becomes a crucial life-saving measure. It’s not just about following the rules of the road; it’s about prioritizing safety and ensuring that you’re fully attentive to your surroundings.
Imagine this: you’re approaching a green light, but your phone buzzes with a notification. A quick glance to check the message might seem harmless, but that split second of distraction can be enough to miss a red light turning yellow, leading to a dangerous situation.
This is why it’s essential to create a distraction-free driving environment. Lowering the volume on the radio reduces the auditory distractions that can pull your focus away from the road. Similarly, keeping your phone out of reach, ideally in the center console, prevents you from being tempted to check it while driving.
But distractions don’t just come from technology. Passengers can also be a source of distraction, especially if they’re engaging in loud conversations or playing games. It’s important to set clear expectations with your passengers about the importance of staying quiet and avoiding distractions while you’re driving.
Remember, driving requires your full attention. By avoiding distractions, you’re not only protecting yourself but also those around you. Make a conscious effort to eliminate any potential distractions, and you’ll be taking a significant step towards safer driving.
Leave Your House With Plenty of Time
One of the top reasons for blowing through an intersection is because you’re in a rush. Make sure you leave your house with enough time to get to your destination so that you do not make a mistake out of a hurry.
Don’t Overestimate Yellow Lights.
Sometimes, we overestimate the amount of time we have to get through a yellow light. However, we learn that yellow lights mean “slow down” for a reason. When you’re approaching a yellow light, bring your car to a lower speed and make a complete stop to avoid accidents.
Approach Traffic Lights With an Element of Caution
Even if a traffic light seems to be a solid green, it’s important to approach intersections with an element of caution. Reduce your speed a bit, and don’t hurry through a traffic light intersection, just in case.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
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