Red-light running deaths spike up in Virginia, nation

Fourteen people died in accidents when a driver ran a red light in Virginia in 2017, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The organization studied red-light running incidents dating back 10 years and found that 939 people nationwide died in such incidents two years ago – a 10-year high and a jump of nearly 30 percent since 2012.

Virginia's increase in such deadly incidents from 2012 to 2017 was 55 percent. In the decade ending with 2017, a total of 108 people were killed in red-light running incidents in the state, according to the study.

With the number of red light running crashes on the rise, AAA officials are advising drivers to use caution when approaching signalized intersections and urging pedestrians and cyclists to stay alert when crossing the street.

According to the AAA Foundation:

• 28 percent of crash deaths that occur at signalized intersections are the result of a driver running through a red light;

• per capita, Arizona has the highest rate of red light running fatalities while New Hampshire has the lowest rate (Virginia’s rank was 36th);

• Nearly half (46 percent) of those killed in red light running crashes were passengers or people in other vehicles and more than 5 percent were pedestrians or cyclists. Just more than a third of those killed were the drivers who ran the red light. In Virginia, nearly two-thirds of those killed were either occupants of other vehicles or passengers of the red light running driver.

“Drivers who run red lights rather than stopping safely are making a reckless choice that puts not only themselves, but their passengers and other road users in danger,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswoman Martha Mitchell Meade. “Data shows that red light running continues to be a traffic safety challenge. All road safety stakeholders must work together to change behavior and identify effective countermeasures.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that when properly implemented, red light cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate of large cities by 21 percent and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14 percent.

“Deaths caused by red light running are on the rise,” said Jessica Cicchino, IIHS vice president for research. “Cameras increase the odds that violators will get caught, and well-publicized camera programs discourage would-be violators from taking those odds. Camera enforcement is a proven way to reduce red light running and save lives.”

Changes in driver behavior are also critical to reducing the number of red light running crashes on U.S. roads, according to AAA officials. To prevent red light crashes, AAA recommends that drivers:

• Prepare to stop: Lift your foot off the accelerator and “cover the brake” when preparing to enter any intersection by positioning your right foot just above the brake pedal, without touching it.

• Use good judgment: Monitor “stale” green lights, those that have been green a long time as you’ve approached the intersection. They are more likely to turn yellow as you arrive at the intersection.

• Tap the brake: Tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them to slow down. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.

• Drive defensively: Before you enter an intersection after the light has turned green for you, take a second after the light changes and look both ways before proceeding.

Pedestrians and cyclists should also stay safe when traveling near intersections. AAA recommends:

• Wait: Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection.

• Stay alert and listen: Don't take chances and don't wear headphones. Watch what is going on and give your full attention to the environment around you.

• Be visible: Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.

• Make eye contact: Look at drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before crossing the road in front of them.