attorney Tag

by Richard Kennedy

Red Light Runners are DANGEROUS!!

Red Mean “STOP!”

Intersections can be the busiest and most complex areas of our roadways.  In addition to facilitating the flow of traffic, they also present significant risks when drivers choose to ignore traffic signals. Red light violations are a constant problem, contributing to a substantial number of crashes each year.

Red light violations occur when a driver enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. This reckless behavior can have catastrophic results.

Causes of Red Light Violations

Several factors contribute to the frequency of red light violations:

1. Driver Distraction — Smartphones and in-car entertainment systems have increased the likelihood of drivers becoming distracted.  Even before this newer technology, we had CD and cassette cases, food, other people in the car, and even daydreaming as common distractions.  A momentary lapse in attention can result in missing a red light signal.

2. Impatience and Aggressive Driving — Some drivers may run red lights due to impatience or aggressive driving behavior. They might be in a hurry or frustrated with traffic conditions, leading them to take risks without thinking that their actions endanger themselves and others.

3. Impaired Driving — Alcohol and drug impairment significantly diminish a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities. Impaired drivers are more likely to misjudge the timing of a red light.

4. Inadequate Signal Timing — Poorly timed traffic signals can confuse drivers and increase the likelihood of red light violations. Signals that change too quickly or do not allow enough time for vehicles to clear the intersection can create dangerous situations.

Consequences of Red Light Violations

The repercussions of running a red light can be severe:

1. Fatalities and Injuries — Red light running results in numerous deaths and injuries each year. These crashes often involve high-speed collisions, which increase the likelihood of serious outcomes.

2. Economic Impact — Beyond the human cost, red light violations also have a significant economic impact, such as: medical expenses, property damage, and wage loss.

3. Psychological Trauma — Survivors of crashes, as well as witnesses and families of victims, often experience long-term psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress, and more.

So What Can Be Done?

We need to Pay Attention.  Staying focused on the road, the signals, changing traffic conditions and our speed is key.  While using police presence at busy intersections or cameras may be a deterrent, if a driver is not paying attention, that driver may not even notice those additions to the intersection.  Remind yourself, your family and friends that driving is serious, requires our full attention and we must not allow frustration and distraction to control our minds while driving.  Stay focused and level-headed.  Plan ahead and don’t rush.   

Conclusion

Red light runners are a serious threat to road safety, contributing to numerous crashes, injuries, and fatalities each year. Crashes happen. When they do, we are here to help the victims maximize their recovery. We are here to help. We are a personal injury law firm in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. For more than 50 years, we have been able to maximize results for our clients either through settlement or victories in the courtroom. Through teamwork and communication, I am able to effectively and efficiently maximize my client’s recovery. No two cases are exactly alike, and you should not be treated as a number on an assembly line. Hire an attorney who knows you by name and will spend the time with you to understand how your life has been affected, explain the law that applies to your case, the game plan, and to answer all of your questions. We work FOR our clients. Injured and have questions?