The Colorado Springs Police Department arrested a 23-year-old driver allegedly responsible for a three-car crash. According to police, the crash happened at 2:30 a.m. after the driver ran through a red light. The driver fled the scene of the wreck on foot, and was arrested several hours later. Five people who suffered injuries were hospitalized and released. Two motorists suffered serious injuries and remain hospitalized. Unfortunately, crashes caused by drivers running red lights are commonplace across the country.

What Do the Statistics Say About Red Light Running Crashes?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) claims 709 people were killed in crashes involving red light running in 2014. An estimated 126,000 people suffered injuries. According to the IIHS, more than half of the people killed in these collisions were pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.

A 2015 survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety claims red light running is a common occurrence, even when people believe it is wrong and dangerous. The survey discovered 94 percent of drivers believe it is unacceptable to run a red light. However, 39 percent of respondents admitted to running red lights within the past 30 days.

IIHS statistics claim red light runners involved in multiple-vehicle collisions were more likely than other motorists to be young males with a history of prior crashes or impaired driving convictions.

Can Cities Prevent Crashes Caused by Running Red Lights?

Studies have shown red light cameras are effective at reducing collisions. According to a 2016 IIHS study, these cameras reduce fatal red-light running crashes by 21 percent.

Red light cameras are not popular with everyone. Critics claim that red light cameras are only useful for producing revenue. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program argues revenue from tickets generated by red light cameras should go towards paying for the cameras or funding highway safety programs.

Regardless of the criticisms on red light cameras, the statistics show these types of crashes are a major public safety threat. Fortunately, there may be more than one solution to this problem. If you were tasked with developing public policy on this issue, what solutions would you pursue? Let us know by leaving a comment.

The auto accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm, LLC are dedicated to helping individuals and families injured by negligent and reckless drivers.