Traffic lights aren’t suggestions. When a careless driver flouts traffic laws and runs a red light, the consequences can be devastating. Drivers with the right of way seldom expect to be hit from the side by another driver, so they don’t have the time or sense to take evasive maneuvers. At least 1086 people died in accidents involving red light running in one recent year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Your actions behind the wheel can have a significant impact on preventing intersection accidents. Everyone knows they are supposed to stop at a red light. Drivers who try to “beat the light” or who are distracted at intersections put every other person on the road at risk. Although you can’t control the actions of others, you can take measures to protect yourself and your family from red-light accidents.
At Stewart Law Offices, we want to help you avoid motor vehicle accidents involving red light running by giving you tips and proactive advice to prevent intersection accidents.
Pay Attention
Always pay attention to your surroundings. Many drivers run red lights because they are distracted and don’t see the light changing. Likewise, you can avoid being hit by a driver running a red light by taking a few extra seconds to look both ways before entering an intersection, even when you have the green light. Never assume that cross-traffic has stopped just because your light has turned green.
Give Plenty of Space
Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Maintaining a safe following distance can help avoid hard braking and rear-end collisions. Following at a safe distance also means better anticipating and responding to changing traffic conditions and signals. As a general rule, keep at least three seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front, more in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
Look Before Entering
The green light gives you the right of way, but that offers no protection against a driver who ignores a red light. Before you enter the intersection, take your time and check both directions. Do not rely solely on the signal; a brief visual check takes only a second or two and can prevent a collision. A couple of seconds of extra caution could mean the difference between life and death.
Drive the Speed Limit
Follow all posted speed limits and adjust your speed to changing traffic and weather conditions. Obeying traffic laws gives you the time and space to stop on red before entering an intersection. It also allows you to maneuver if you notice another driver running a red light and entering an intersection when they shouldn’t. Speeding reduces your reaction time and narrows your options, two factors that make intersection accidents significantly more deadly.
Anticipate Signal Changes
Traffic signals are designed to let you know when to anticipate a signal change.
- Yellow means caution, slow down, and the signal is about to turn red. Slow down and prepare to stop when you’re approaching a yellow light. Pay attention and take notice of your surroundings.
- If you see a “don’t walk” sign facing you, anticipate that the green light will turn red and make necessary adjustments.
- Be especially alert at intersections during peak hours, at night, and in poor weather, when red light running is more frequent and reaction times are more critical.
Contact Stewart Law Offices If You Are Injured in a Red Light Accident
Red light running is preventable. Yet, thousands of people suffer traumatic and fatal injuries every year due to this careless driving behavior. If you or a loved one gets hurt in a red light accident, talk to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. At Stewart Law Offices, we want to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact our office today and request a free, no-obligation legal consultation.