The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that approximately 40% of all traffic accidents are intersection-related.  The most devastating of these intersection-related accidents are those that are caused by red light running.  This traffic violation, one of the most dangerous, is defined by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) as “a violation that occurs when a motorist enters an intersection some time after the signal light has turned red.” 

Statistics reported by FHWA show that over 96% of American drivers fear that they will get hit by a red light runner, while 55.8 % admit that they themselves run red lights on occasion.  In 1999 and 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a study titled Analysis of fatal crashes due to signal and stop violations, which examined the fatal crashes due to red light running.  This study found that 6.9% (2,572) of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in 1999 and 2000  (37,725) were caused by a violation of traffic signal. 

Red light running is not confined to one demographic; people of every age, gender, and walk of life disobey the law and run red lights. Perhaps what is most frightening about these gruesome statistics is the fact the majority of red light runners are motivated only by being in a hurry.  According to FHWA, only 15.8% of the polled runners admitted to being motivated by frustration or ‘road rage’ when they broke the law.  So, regardless of the emotional or mental state of the driver, there is a definite chance that he or she may run a red light and risk not only their own life, but many other lives as well.

The FHWA conducted a state-by-state analysis report that counted the fatalities caused by intersection-related accidents, especially those caused by red light running.

To combat red light running, many states have placed cameras at intersection in large cities.  This would enable more efficient surveillance, creating a greater incentive for abiding by the law.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that the use of red light cameras at busy intersections reduce red light running by 40-50%, and reduce accident related injuries by 25-30%.  IIHS states that a red light camera is activated when a vehicle has entered the intersection after the light has been red for a certain amount of time.  This means that a vehicle in the intersection for a valid reason (such as turning left after the light has changed from green to red) would not be charged with a red light violation.

Although cameras help reduce red light accidents, they cannot eradicate the problem.  To completely stop this reckless behavior on the part of drivers, each driver must be thoroughly educated on the dangers and widespread participation of red light running.  The issue of red light running, while receiving much less publicity than the problem of drunk driving is actually just as dangerous.  FHWA reports that one in three people claim they personally know someone who was injured or killed by a red light runner.  Similarly, one in three people claim they know someone who was killed by a drunk driver. The issue of red light running is very real and very dangerous.  Drivers, be aware of this danger, and always obey the law regarding traffic signals at intersections.