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Over the ten-year period, 2004-2014, an estimated 8,517 people were killed in red-light running accidents, and there were 7,700 crashes that involved fatalities relating to red-light runners, according to the National Coalition for Safer Roads (NCSR). 

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that running red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices are the leading causes of all urban crashes. In these crashes the actual red-light runners account for a minority of those killed in such crashes. The majority of those killed were occupants of other vehicles, passengers in the red-light-running vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists. In 2014 (latest available data), 709 people were killed and an estimated 126,000 were injured in crashes that involved red-light running. 

NCSR reports that, through Melissa Wandall’s advocacy and outreach over the years in educating the public about the dangers of red-light running, the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act was passed in 2010. This act was named in memory of Ms. Wandall’s husband who was killed in a red-light running collision. The use of red-light safety cameras at Florida intersections was approved to help change driver behavior and combat red-light running. 

IIHS researchers looked at the 57 cities of 200,000 or more people that activated cameras between 1992 and 2014 and did not shut them off. They compared the trends in annual per capita fatal crash rates in those cities with the trends in 33 cities that never had cameras. After accounting for the effects of population density and unemployment rates, the researchers found there were 21 percent fewer fatal red-light-running crashes per capita in cities with cameras than would have occurred without cameras and 14 percent fewer fatal crashes of all types at signalized intersections. 

Within a few months after red-light cameras stopped operating in Virginia Beach, red-light running rates tripled at intersections where cameras were shut down. Within a year, the rate was four times higher, eliminating all traffic safety risk reductions. Two years later, the Virginia Legislature reinstated the law permitting the use of red-light cameras. 

Red-light running is 100 percent preventable. Remember, says NCSR, these important rules when approaching intersections where there are traffic lights: 

• Yellow lights are an indicator to slow down and prepare to stop.
• Come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
• Scan intersections and approach with caution, even if the light is green.
• Yield to pedestrians. The right of way is theirs. 

Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey says, “Running red lights is dangerous not only for the red-light running driver but for others. There is no excuse for running red lights. If a driver is in a hurry, he/she should allow for that time by leaving earlier. Should you be injured in an accident with a red-light runner, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.” 

Fort Myers Auto Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent 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.