Traffic lights seek to help control traffic patterns and prevent residents of Kentucky and the United States from colliding with one another, but they only work as planned when motorists pay attention and use them as designed. Debra L. Broz, Attorneys at Law, PLC, recognize that red-light car wrecks are at an all-time high across the United States, and that all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution when navigating their way through them.
Per NBC News, drivers who blew through red lights caused 939 traffic fatalities in 2017, which is an almost-30% increase over the number of lives lost due to these circumstances in 2012. It is also the highest number of lives lost in red-light wrecks since 2008, highlighting an alarming and dangerous trend.
Just why are red-light-related traffic deaths on the rise? Some safety advocates believe an uptick in distracted driving is contributing to the rising number of red-light-related traffic deaths, while others cite more drivers taking to the roadways once the Great Recession ended. Others believe that poorly timed traffic lights that do not stay yellow long enough for motorists to safely navigate intersections are also contributing to the increase.
To help lower the number of people losing their lives at the nation’s red lights, many municipalities are investing in red-light cameras that snap photos of drivers who ignore or try to beat red lights. Drivers, too, can help themselves stay safe by tapping their brakes as they approach red lights to help make others aware they are about to stop. You can find more about car crashes on our webpage.