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"Whether a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist, everyone needs to stop on red before proceeding (where allowed) and watch for drivers who may still be in the intersection or entering the intersection. Red-light running accidents are preventable," says Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Red-light running is the leading cause of urban collisions according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  8,700 people were killed in intersection or intersection related crashes in 2009 (the latest available figures), and pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers not seeing red-light runners coming comprise two thirds of these fatalities according to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Because of the high number of deaths from red-light running, the National Coalition for Safer Roads and the Federal Highway Administration sponsor an annual National Stop on Red Week every August.  This week is dedicated to educating U.S. drivers about the danger of running through red lights and increasing enforcement.  During last year's National Stop on Red Week more than 26,000 people in 15 states got red-light camera violations.  Florida led the states with 8,374 violations, followed by New York, Missouri, Maryland and Washington.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a telephone survey in 2012 on the subject of red-light running. 92 percent of drivers surveyed said that it was unacceptable to go through a red light if it was possible to stop safely. However, 38 percent reported going through a red light at some during the 30 days prior to the AAA Foundation survey. 

The Federal Highway Administration further states that someone runs a red light every 20 minutes at urban intersections, and the cost to society of all crashes exceeds $230 billion annual.

Red-light running is defined as:

• A vehicle entering an intersection any time after the signal light has turned red. Motorists who are inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes - waiting to turn left, for example, are not red light runners.
• Where right on red is permitted, drivers who fail to come to a complete stop before turning may be considered red light runners.
• Drivers turning right on red where it is not permitted.

"Red-light violators likely do not realize that even low speed (30 mph) side impact crashes can be deadly. Because of the relatively thin protection along the side of a vehicle, a large amount of force is transferred directly to the victim," said John K. Cumming, MD, Trauma Surgeon, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota.

"Red-light running is dangerous.  We at, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, have seen the results of vehicle crashes in intersections caused by red-light running.  Proceed with caution when entering intersections and be prepared to stop," said Attorney Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just1percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.