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6565 South Dayton St. #2400, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
Serving Colorado, New Mexico, Utah & Wyoming
Contact: Carole Walker, Executive Director
(303) 790-0216 or 1-800-355-9524
Release Date: Immediately
Topic: Traffic Safety
RED & GREEN DON’T JUST SIGNAL THE HOLIDAYS—RED LIGHT RUNNING CRASHES ARE ON THE RISE, ALONG WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS TO STOP THE DEADLY TREND
December 1998—Red and green may be everywhere this time of year, however, when it comes to traffic signals, an increasing number of drivers don’t seem to pay much attention when the light turns red. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that red light runners are responsible for an estimated 260,000 crashes each year. About 750 of these are fatal, and the number is rising. Overall, about 40 percent of motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections. From 1992 to 1996 fatal red light running crashes increased by 15 percent—from 702 in 1992 to 809 in 1996.
Who’s Running Red Lights & Why
In a recent study of 800 drivers between the ages of 18 and 65, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the most common reason given for red light running was that drivers were in a hurry (54 percent). Two out of three Americans see other drivers run red lights everyday, and almost all of those polled (96 percent) fear they will be struck at an intersection by a red light runner. One in every three respondents say they personally know someone who was killed or injured in a red light running crash—about the same amount of people who know someone who was involved in a drunk driving crash. Drivers most likely to run red lights are profiled as young, having poor driving records, having high blood alcohol concentrations and living in cities.
Where Red Light Running Crashes Occur Most
Cities with populations of more than 200,000 accounted for about 34 percent of all fatal red light running crashes between 1992 and 1996. Using a measurement of fatal red light running crashes per 100,000 people, Phoenix has the highest rate of fatal red light running crashes (88) and Oklahoma City has the lowest (1). Also placing high in the Rocky Mountain Region: Albuquerque, New Mexico ranked 9th highest (20); Colorado Springs, Colorado ranked 20th (11); followed closely by Denver with the 21st (17) highest red light running rate.
Red Light Cameras
In an attempt to curb this disturbing trend, about 20 communities have installed red light cameras that automatically photograph the offender. Red light cameras are permitted in 10 states including Colorado. In October the city of Boulder began a four-month photo red light trial at four different intersections. The city of Denver is using photo radar, but hasn’t yet installed red light cameras. In Oxnard, California a study shows that violations dropped by 42 percent after cameras were introduced at nine intersections. They’ve been in use for years in Australia, Europe and Asia. Many law enforcement agencies say red light cameras could help them save significant amounts of money on manpower to enforce red light running.
But, the Light was Yellow…
Studies have show that red light running may be reduced through improvements to the design and timing of traffic signals. This may include lengthening the interval time between a yellow and red light, increasing the brightness or intensity of traffic signals and adding additional left turn signals. Older drivers in particular are shown to benefit from more intense signal displays and left turn signals.
So while the holiday season is a hectic time out on the roadways—last minute shopping, holiday parties to get to, traveling to see friends and relatives—red isn’t just the color of Santa’s suit and disregarding it at an intersection can be painful and deadly.
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Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is a non-profit consumer information organization. Affiliated with the Insurance Information Institute, RMIIA has been serving consumers and the media since 1952.
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