Most New Jersey drivers have had it happen to them at least a couple of times.
You’re sitting at a red light and it turns green.
You step on the gas pedal.
Just as your car starts to move. a vehicle comes speeding through the intersection from your left or right, completely ignoring their red light.
You (hopefully) hit your brakes just in time, avoiding a major accident.
You then utter to yourself (or maybe shout out the window), “you could have killed somebody driving like that!”. Perhaps you also included an expletive or two. Well, that statement is even more true now than it has been in over 10 years.
AAA STUDY – RED LIGHT RUNNING DEATHS
Traffic deaths from drivers running red lights hit a 10-year high in 2017, the last year with statistics available. This is according to a new study done by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The number of people that were killed when a driver blew through a red light hit 939. That is more than 2 people killed each day by someone’s reckless driving at an intersection.
Of course, it’s worth noting that this study doesn’t account for the number of people seriously injured from red light running car and truck accidents. The number of those suffering broken bones, fractures and severe injuries is likely several times higher.
AAA STUDY – RED LIGHT RUNNING DEATHS – Key FINDINGS:
- Traffic deaths from drivers running red lights hit a 10-year high in 2017, the last year with statistics available. This is according to a new study done by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
- The number of people that were killed when a driver blew through a red light hit 939. That is more than 2 people killed each day by someone’s reckless driving at an intersection.Of course, worth noting, is this study doesn’t account for the number of people seriously injured from red light running car and truck accidents. The number of those suffering broken bones, fractures and severe injuries is likely several times higher.
- Nearly half (46%) of those killed in red light running crashes were passengers or people in other vehicles and more than 5% were pedestrians or cyclists. Just over 35% of those killed were the drivers who ran the red light.
- In 2016-2017, New Jersey had a combined 43 deaths from red light running crashes. In 2013-2014, 19 deaths
93 percent of drivers said it’s unacceptable to go through a red light if it’s possible to stop safely, but 43 percent reported doing so in the past 30 days.
Red Light Safety Tips for Drivers
Changes in driver behavior are also critical to reducing the number of red light running crashes on U.S. roads. To prevent red light crashes, AAA recommends that drivers:
- Prepare to Stop: Lift your foot off the accelerator and “cover the brake” when preparing to enter any intersection by positioning your right foot just above the brake pedal, without touching it.
- Use Good Judgment: Monitor “stale” green lights, those that have been green a long time as you’ve approached the intersection. They are more likely to turn yellow as you arrive at the intersection.
- Tap the Brake: Tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them to slow down. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.
- Drive Defensively: Before you enter an intersection after the light has turned green for you, take a second after the light changes and look both ways before proceeding.
Red Light Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists
- Wait: Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection.
- Stay Alert and Listen: Don’t take chances and don’t wear headphones. Watch what is going on and give your full attention to the environment around you.
- Be Visible: Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.
- Make Eye Contact: Look at drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before crossing the road in front of them.
Check our fb page and website often to find updated news on New Jersey roadways and plenty of helpful tips for drivers.
New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers
Did you suffer injuries in a car accident or a truck accident? Call us today at 908-352-2323. Do you prefer contacting our injury lawyers via email, then please click here.
Did you suffer serious injuries in a car accident or truck accident while you were working? Call top NJ Accident Law Firm today.
Were you injured as an Uber driver, Uber passenger, Lyft driver or Lyft passenger? We understand the latest laws when it comes to ride-share companies. Call us today for a free consultation.
If you are a truck driver who was injured while working call us today at 908-352-2323.
If you prefer contacting our injury lawyers via email, please click here. Our injury lawyers serve clients throughout New Jersey. This includes the cities of Newark, Elizabeth, Union, Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston and Jersey City. We cover Morris, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and Middlesex counties. Our accident lawyers have offices in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Short Hills, New Jersey and in New York City.
We represent clients suffering with spinal cord injury, back injury, burn injury, broken bones and traumatic brain injury.
If you are enduring physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, lost wages, medical expenses or any other hardship resulting from a truck accident, car accident or pedestrian accident please contact us today for a free consultation.
You can view some of our results here and check out reviews from our clients here.
0
