Red light running should be relatively easy to avoid. However, it is a mistake people often make. For instance, some studies reported that over 1,000 people lost their lives in red light accidents in 2023 alone. And that is just taking into account the fatal accidents, with tens of thousands of others suffering injuries in similar crashes.
But why does it happen? It is clearly a dangerous driving mistake and something all drivers should seek to avoid, but below are three reasons why they run red lights anyway.
They are speeding
Often, people are speeding or in a hurry. Someone may be rushing to work or to school. Because they are breaking the speed limit, it is more difficult for them to stop in time when the light turns yellow. Plus, some drivers will speed up at a yellow light to try to make it through before it turns red.
They are impaired by alcohol
Alcohol use is also linked to red light running. Naturally, some impaired drivers may have lower inhibitions and decide to run a red light to save time. Others may be so intoxicated that they do not see the red light or simply do not react properly when it changes.
They do not see other vehicles
In some cases, you will see somebody slow down and then run the red light, almost as if it were a yellow blinker light. Often, the excuse they will give is that they looked for other vehicles, but the intersection was clear, so they did not think it was necessary to wait for the light to go through its entire cycle.
All these mistakes can lead to serious accidents and injuries, and the parties involved need to know what legal steps to take.