Over the past decade, deaths caused by drivers running red lights have remained alarmingly high — and in recent years, the numbers continue to exceed what was once considered a “10-year high.”
From a 10-Year High to a Growing Crisis
Back in 2017, a landmark AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study reported 939 deaths from red-light running, marking what was then the highest total in at least a decade. Since then, the situation has only worsened.
New Data Shows Red-Light Fatalities Exceed 1,100 Annually
According to the most recent national traffic safety data from 2025, more than 1,100 people are now killed each year in crashes involving drivers who run red lights, with over 135,000 others sustaining injuries. Fatalities today are higher than the 2017 peak, underscoring that red-light running remains a persistent and deadly threat on U.S. roads.
The Rising Toll of Red-Light Crashes in the United States
One of the most troubling aspects of these crashes is who suffers the consequences. Studies consistently show that roughly half of all fatalities are not the drivers who ran the red light. Passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are frequently the victims. In many cases, the person making the reckless choice survives, while innocent road users pay the ultimate price.
Traffic Signal Violations: A Persistent and Deadly Trend
This trend reflects a broader issue: drivers are increasingly careless 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. Split-second decisions at intersections often result in high-speed side-impact collisions — among the most severe and fatal types of crashes.
National Statistics Reveal and Worsening Intersection Safety Crisis
Over the last decade, red-light running has caused thousands of preventable deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries, imposing enormous emotional and financial burdens on families and communities. Medical costs, lost income, long-term disabilities, and property damage are just a portion of the lasting impact.
The continued rise in fatalities highlights the urgent need for action. Drivers must take personal responsibility for obeying traffic signals and slowing at intersections. Public awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement, improved intersection design, and traffic-safety technology all play critical roles in reducing these deadly crashes.
Here are some key steps to protect yourself and your passengers in 2026:
Avoid Distractions
Distractions remain one of the leading contributors to red-light crashes. Lower your radio volume, keep your phone out of reach, and make sure passengers aren’t intentionally distracting. Even a split-second glance at a notification can be the difference between stopping safely and a catastrophic crash.
Leave With Plenty of Time
Rushing is a major factor in red-light running. Plan your trips to allow extra time so you aren’t forced to make risky decisions at intersections.
Don’t Overestimate Yellow Lights
Yellow lights signal “slow down,” not “speed up.” Reduce your speed when approaching a yellow light and be prepared to stop completely to avoid accidents.
Approach Intersections With Caution
Even a solid green light requires attention. Slow down slightly and scan for potential hazards before entering the intersection — it’s better to be cautious than to become another statistic.
In 2026, red-light running continues to be a serious, preventable threat on U.S. roads. By staying alert, avoiding distractions, and driving with caution, we can all play a role in making intersections safer for everyone.
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.
ABOUT HERRMAN & HERRMAN PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
