Why Running a Red Light Is Never Worth the Risk.

The traffic light, also known as a traffic signal, was actually invented before the automobile.

Initially, traffic lights were used to control the movement of pedestrians and horse-drawn vehicles in busy intersections in larger developing cities. The world's first electric traffic light was installed on a street corner in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 4, 1914. Los Angeles, CA, however, is known for adding the first set of 5 automated traffic signals along Broadway in October 1920. Traffic lights borrowed their concept from railroad signals, originally using two colors; a third was added later in 1923. The intent of the signal colors was quite clear. Green meant "Go." Yellow meant "Caution." Red meant "Stop."

Unfortunately, too many modern drivers perceive the following:

• Green means, "Go"
• Yellow means, "Speed up"
• Red means, "Keep going"

Many drivers ignore the intent of traffic lights. They don't value their purpose to maintain a safe, effective traffic flow. Traffic lights that are operating normally are extremely effective. They can manage the flow of autos, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, busses, tractor-trailers and other vehicles. Their effectiveness is diminished only by a technical malfunction or by drivers who routinely decide to disobey the traffic signals.

The problem is simple.

Selfishness and self-interest often trump safety. Many people are frequently in such a hurry to get to their destinations that they disregard common sense rules of the road. Different research groups regularly poll drivers about their automobile operating habits. The answers reveal some interesting items:

• Many drivers routinely witness other drivers running red lights
• A significant number of drivers admit to running red lights themselves
• The most frequent reasons for running red lights were because the driver was in a hurry, followed by drivers not noticing the light
• Most drivers believe that traffic light violations are rarely punished
• A majority of drivers believe that the consequences of running a light are minor

Driver beliefs clash with reality. Running red lights cause serious issues. In 2019, 846 people lost their lives in the U.S. and another estimated 143,000 people were injured as a direct result of drivers running a red light. Studies show that 28% of crashes that occur within signaled intersections are the result of drivers running a red light. More startling, 46% of the deaths involved in running red lights were passengers or people in other vehicles (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2021). The reason for the latter is that such accidents usually involve the front of one vehicle striking the side of another, or a "T" collision. Vehicle safety devices and vehicle construction are ineffective in protecting persons whose cars are struck on their sides, especially if the other car has sped up to beat a red light. The size of a vehicle also plays a major role in the damage inflicted during accidents. Drivers in large trucks and SUVs pose the bigger risks to other drivers in smaller vehicles.

Increasingly, towns and cities have turned to technology to help with the chronic problem. Traffic light cameras, though very expensive, can be an effective way to reduce traffic light violations and intersection collisions. The cameras are triggered when any vehicle enters an intersection on a red light. It takes a photo of the vehicle's license plate and traffic tickets are sent to the owner. However, because of their expense, cameras can only be used on a limited basis.

Remember, A safe driver pays less for insurance. If you're on the road, make choices that keep you and other drivers safe. Arriving a few minutes late is better than not arriving at all.