Red-Light Violation Fatalities at Ten-Year High

According to new data from NHTSA, the number of people who are killed during accidents involving drivers ignoring red lights recently hit a ten-year high. The latest nationwide figures available showed that, in 2017, 939 people lost their lives in U.S. red-light violation collisions. This figure is the highest since 2008 and is more than 28 percent higher than in 2012. According to the data, an average of two people in the United States lose their lives every day in these types of collisions.

Why Might This Be Happening?

While the number of drivers on U.S. roads is almost always increasing, the number of red-light fatalities rose more sharply than fatal crashes in general over recent years. Since 2012, the number of total traffic fatalities rose by ten percent, much less than the 28 percent for deadly red-light violations. It’s unclear why the number of red-light violation fatalities has risen so dramatically over the last decade. However, experts from AAA have speculated that the rise may be related to an increased number of distracted drivers, poorly timed traffic lights, or inadequate yellow caution cycles.

Traffic Signal Violations and Fatalities in Placerville

In Placerville, there were a total of 437 vehicle accidents recorded between 2007 and 2018. The most common cause of these accidents was driving at unsafe speeds, followed by right-of-way violations, driving on the wrong side of the road, and DUI. The fourth most common accident violation was ignoring traffic signs and signals. Out of the total 437 accidents, only nine involved a fatal injury and traffic signal violation was not listed as a factor in any of these deadly crashes.

Staying Safe

There are a few things that drivers can do to increase their safety in intersections with traffic signals. Drivers should prepare to stop well ahead of intersections and tap their brakes when they are approaching a stop light in order to warn drivers behind them that they are going to slow down. It’s also a good idea to leave ample space between your vehicle and the car in front of you when stopped at a red light, this can reduce the chance of a chain-reaction crash.

Drivers are also advised to wait a short time after a light turns green and checking to make sure that all cross traffic is stopped before proceeding through an intersection. This can prevent collisions with drivers who try to make it through an intersection right at the last second.

What Should I Do After a Crash?

The first thing that you should do after being in an accident is to make sure that you and the other occupants of your vehicle are okay. After that, make sure to collect evidence at the accident scene as well as take down the information of any other drivers who were involved in the crash. Finally, reach out to a Placerville wrongful death lawyer who can go over your case with you and give you the advice you need to know how you can move forward and receive the compensation you deserve. Learn more about finding a trustworthy attorney by watching this video:

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Placerville Wrongful Death Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Placerville wrongful death lawyer. If your family was affected by a deadly vehicle accident, contact me toll-free by calling (800) 404-5400 or locally at (530) 392-9400 and allow me to give you my free, friendly advice about your situation.

I’m proud to have helped Placerville residents obtain settlements and verdicts in wrongful death cases for a period of more than 37 years. You can see what my valued clients have written about me by visiting my profiles on these popular websites:

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Red-Light Violation Fatalities at Ten-Year High