3 Reasons Drivers Run Red Lights

 Posted on February 20, 2018 in Criminal Defense

Red light runners cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities each year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 137,000 people were injured while 771 lost their lives in accidents that involved red light runners in 2015. 

More than 50 percent of those that were killed were pedestrians and people in other vehicles who were struck by red light runners. Unfortunately, drivers often run red lights without thinking it is a big deal. Three of the most common reasons for red light running include:

1. A Lack of Patience. It is not uncommon for drivers to be in a hurry and lose patience while on the road. When they are impatient and believe they will be late to their destination, they speed and try to beat all red lights. In many cases, these drivers run red lights, rather than beat them.
2. At the Intersection with a Yellow Light. When traffic sensors recognize a traffic gap, traffic  lights will change. Speed limits will also determine the length of yellow lights in order to give drivers the appropriate amount of time to stop. Sometimes, drivers run red lights because they were at the intersection when the light was yellow.
3. Too Late To Stop Safely. Drivers may run a red light when they are too close to the intersection to come to a safe stop. They decide to drive through the intersection because they are afraid the driver behind them may hit them if they come to a sudden stop.

In Illinois, all drivers have a legal obligation to come to a complete stop at red lights. This holds true even when they are turning right on red. Drivers can receive a red light ticket if they fail to stop at a red light or enter an intersection on a yellow light, but fail to clear the intersection before the light turns red. 

Fortunately, there are several ways you can prevent red light running. First, make yourself aware of red and yellow light laws. Next, adhere to the posted speed limit and leave early so that you are not tempted to speed and run a red light in order to get to your destination on time. Lastly, avoid distracted driving and always keep your eyes on the road.

Contact Our Naperville Traffic Violation Lawyers

If you have run a red light and received a ticket, you should reach out to J. Aldrich Law, P.C. For a free consultation, call our Naperville traffic law attorneys today at 630-953-3000.

Source:

 http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/red-light-running/qanda