You are in your car and stopped at a red light waiting for your chance to go through the intersection. The light turns green. Suddenly, a car comes speeding through the red light. Sound familiar? A red light accident is a common occurrence in Phoenix and across Arizona. So common that Arizona ranks number one in the United States for running red lights. This is a sobering fact that has many drivers in Arizona wondering what they can do to protect themselves and their families from a red light accident.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the number of red light accidents is on the rise. One person loses their life every nine hours at Arizona intersections and these accidents increased 36 percent in the last two years. What does this mean for drivers? What can drivers do to protect themselves from red light accidents?
STEPS TO TAKE TO PREVENT A RED LIGHT ACCIDENT
There are many steps you can take to protect your family from a red light accident. Taking these steps may not prevent every accident from occurring. Yet, these steps can greatly reduce your chances of getting into a serious accident.
STEP 1: SLOW DOWN
It is important to obey all traffic rules, including the speed limit. Never speed through intersections. Instead, slow down slightly when going through an intersection to give yourself more time to react in an emergency.
STEP 2: BE ALERT
When traveling through a red light, be alert at all times. Never use your phone or other gadgets while going through an intersection. Instead, remain alert and watch for crossing pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
STEP 3: WAIT A SECOND
When the light turns green, wait a few seconds before going. We recommend this because the most dangerous accidents occur 1.5 seconds after the light turns red. During that time, look both ways to make sure oncoming traffic has stopped. Many drivers avoid deadly red light accidents by recognizing a vehicle running a red light ahead of time.
YOUR COMMUNITY CAN REDUCE RED LIGHT ACCIDENTS
Research shows that red light cameras are effective ways to prevent red light accidents. These cameras capture red light offenders. When an intersection has this type of camera, drivers are more cautious. This can directly save lives and reduce the number of accidents we see at red lights. In Arizona, multiple communities have red light cameras, including:
- Ahwatukee Foothills
- Chandler
- Marysville
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Show Low
- Surprise
- Tempe
Safety experts agree that placing red light cameras at dangerous intersections could help reduce the number of accidents.
INJURED IN A RED LIGHT CAR ACCIDENT? CONTACT OUR ARIZONA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Accidents that occur at red lights are often traumatic and scary. These accidents can cause a variety of life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, injured accident survivors do not always get the help they need after an accident. Insurance companies may offer them low ball settlements that are a fraction of what they truly need. When this happens, you need an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney in your corner.
At Miller Kory Rowe LLP, we can help you after a serious red light accident. We will investigate your accident and build a case designed to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. We offer a free initial consultation so you can review all your legal options. Call us at (602) 648-4045 or fill out our confidential contact form. We are ready to fight for you.