Morse Avenue and Hurley Way Site of Intersection Accident
An intersection accident involving two vehicles occurred in the Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento recently at about 10:44 in the morning. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) was alerted by someone who heard the crash but did not see it. The accident happened at the intersection of Morse Avenue and Hurley Way between a Hyundai and an Audi.
More Information About the Intersection Accident
According to an occupant in the Hyundai Santa Fe, the driver of the Audi Q9 ran the red light. The intersection accident blocked the crossroads, and a tow truck was called to remove the vehicles. At the time of this report, no information about the severity of the injuries in the Arden-Arcade car crash has been revealed by authorities.
Penalties for Running a Red Light
Under California Vehicle Code 21453(a), a driver must not enter the intersection once a traffic light has turned red. Traffic surveillance cameras routinely catch drivers passing through a red light in Sacramento. Despite the roughly $500 fine and points against the driver’s record, many motorists continue to disregard red lights.
Cameras Decrease the Number of Red Light Accidents
In 2018, roughly 819 people died nationwide in accidents involving a red light runner. The majority were pedestrians, cyclists and motorists hit by the red-light runner. In addition to the fatalities, about 139,000 people were injured, some seriously.
Red Light Accident Prevention
Although 85 percent of drivers consider red-light running dangerous, 31 percent revealed they have done it in a national telephone survey.
One of the biggest problems is that law enforcement cannot be stationed at every intersection and drivers know that. The use of red-light cameras has discouraged some drivers from running a traffic signal. Camera use has decreased the number of fatal intersection accidents by 21 percent.
Signal Length on Traffic Lights
It is possible to lengthen the yellow signal on a traffic light. The Institute of Transportation Engineers issued guidelines, that when followed, reduced the risk of an intersection accident by 26 percent. If red light traffic cameras are added, the number of accidents decreases substantially.
Who Runs Red Lights
Using a compilation of all red-light runners in 2018, the following drivers were caught most often:
- Males have a much higher rate of running a red light.
- Young drivers run red lights more than older drivers.
- Drunk drivers are more likely to run a red light.
- Motorists with a prior DUI run more red lights.
- Speeders are known to run red lights frequently since they have difficulty stopping.
- Drivers who run a red light frequently do not have a valid driver’s license.
City Responsibilities
The city agency in charge of traffic lights and red light cameras is sometimes partly to blame for increasing numbers of intersection accidents. For instance, if the traffic lights are not maintained properly, or the yellow signal timing is not adjusted, the risk of a red light intersection accident increases. In addition, due to economic and other reasons, some cities turn off the red light cameras, leading to more intersection crashes.
Investigating a Red Light Intersection Accident
Our law firm promptly dispatches an investigative team to the scene of the accident to gather evidence of negligence. The following protocol is followed:
- Look for road marks that indicate whether or not the driver tried to stop
- Interview witnesses to the accident
- Review the police report for mistakes
- Gather video footage from traffic surveillance cameras and other sources
- Use accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability
- Check yellow light timing on traffic lights
Arden-Arcade Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, and I am an Arden-Arcade car accident lawyer. To obtain my free and friendly advice after an intersection accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach out to me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped numerous Arden-Arcade residents since 1982 obtain the compensation they deserve in all types of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and other traumatic injuries.
I am proud to be a member of the following organizations:
Learn more about my firm by reviewing the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/traffic-lights-red-stop-242323/
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