Page 6 - AAA Now! – AAA Akron Auto Club – Fall 2020

SAFETY MATTERS
AAA
Traffic Deaths Caused by Running Red Lights on the Rise
Drivers running red lights kill at least two people daily – an alarming trend that has safety experts urging drivers to use caution and pedestrians and cyclists to be alert.
According to data analysis performed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 939 people were killed in red-light running crashes on U.S. roads in 2017 – a 10-year high and a 28% increase since 2012.
“Drivers who decide to run a red light when they could have stopped safely are making a reckless choice which puts other road users in danger,”
aid Dr. David Yang, executive director of the
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The AAA Foundation reported that 28% of crash
deaths that occur at signalized intersections are the result of a driver running through a red light. Nearly half of those killed in red-light running crashes were passengers or people in other vehicles.
“The data shows that red-light running continues to be a traffic safety challenge. All road safety stakeholders must work together to change behavior and identify effective countermeasures,” Yang said.
In the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index, 85% of drivers said they thought running a red light was very dangerous – but nearly one third say they had done it within the previous 30 days.
So why would they take that chance? More than 40% said they didn’t think the police would stop them. Nevertheless, it’s against the law and if a driver is involved in a deadly crash, it could send them to jail.
While police can’t realistically be at every intersection, enforcement is the best way to get drivers to comply with any law. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that when properly implemented, red-light cameras reduced the fatal red-light running crash rate in large
cities by 21%. The cameras reduced the rate of
all types of fatal crashes at intersections with signals by 14%.
“Deaths caused by red-light running are on the rise,” said Jessica Cicchino, IIHS vice president for Research. “Cameras increase the odds that violators will get caught, and well-publicized camera programs discourage would-be violators from taking those odds. Camera enforcement is a proven way to reduce red-light running and save lives.”
Proper implementation of red-light cameras helps to ensure drivers’ safety and trust in the
systems. When using red-light camera programs, local governments should incorporate best practices, such as:
• Using the camera program as part of a comprehensive traffic safety strategy, including engineering and education.
• Only implementing programs on roadways with a demonstrated pattern of violations or crashes.
• Notifying drivers that cameras are being used (signage and other methods).
• Calibrating cameras regularly.
• Only operating cameras under the direct
supervision of law enforcement personnel.
• Evaluating the programs periodically to ensure
safety benefits are being realized.
Experts say simple changes to driving habits
can prevent crashes related to red-light running. 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 Judgement: 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.
Pedestrians and cyclists also can do their part to stay safe near intersections. AAA recommends:
• Wait: Give yourself a few seconds to make sure
all cars have come to a complete stop at a red
light before moving through the intersection. • Stay Alert: Don’t take chances and don’t wear
headphones. 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.
Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission
is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research is used to develop educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users. Visit www.AAAFoundation.org.
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