Chicago Car Wrecks Caused by Red Light Runners

Everyone knows the rules of the traffic signals. It is probably one of the first 'rules' that we all learn as children – red means stop and green means go. Therefore, one can assume that it is a rare occurrence that drivers jump the red signal! Unfortunately, this is far from true. Drivers do run red signals, and cause a large number of Chicago car wrecks.

Accidents Cause by Red Light Runners

Red light signals are placed on intersections to allow traffic to run smoothly. Running a red light undoubtedly contributes to an increased risk of a collision. Such accidents are typically caused by drivers, who simply refuse to follow the rules, endangering their lives, the lives of passengers, and of those in the other vehicle that is involved in the collision.

Statistics

Red light running and ignoring stop signs contribute to car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), nearly 127,000 people were injured, and 697 fatalities were recorded in the year 2013 in the United States due to the negligence of red light runners. About half of these fatalities were of passengers in other cars, bicycle riders and pedestrians, as opposed to the negligent red light runner, or the passengers in the colliding vehicle.

Another statistic claims that about 22% of all collisions were accountable to accidents caused by running a red light. The data also reveals that 39% of injuries caused are due to vehicular collisions caused by drivers ignoring the red light.

Characteristics of Red Light Runners

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a study that has revealed that some individuals are by character, more likely to jump red traffic signals. For example, a motorist who already has a record for breaking traffic rules is more likely to run red lights. Similarly, young males, with a number of speeding convictions, or facing penalties for not using seat belts, or facing charges for driving under influence, are more likely to drive through the red signal.

Precautionary Measures

Running a stop light can cause a car accident, result in damage to people, cars, property and loss of life. The unfortunate issue with drivers running the red light is that more often than not, these drivers cause more injury and harm to those around them, like the passengers and drivers of the other car, pedestrians and their co-passengers.

Chicago sees a fair share of car accidents caused due to red light running. Traffic law enforcers have since long tried to take measures to ensure safety and protection of citizens from red light runners. They have installed red light cameras in certain intersections in the city. However, these cameras generally do not do much to ensure safety.

Chicago still has a number of red light runners, putting lives in danger. If you or a loved one are a victim of a car accident and have sustained injuries as a result of someone running a red light, contact an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer at Willens Law Offices to help you with the legal proceedings. Our awarded team has a proven track record of helping Chicago automobile accident vicitms obtain rightful compensation. Call (312) 957-4166 to schedule a free personal injury consultation.