Drivers who ignore traffic signals, whether accidentally or on purpose, are responsible for more than 135,000 vehicular injuries. Over 1000 of these accidents result in death. Most result from drivers running red lights, while other accidents are caused by drivers refusing to yield to pedestrians to people riding their bicycles or motorcycles to other vehicles. Drivers over 65 are involved in about a third of accidents that involve two cars. However, young men who’ve been previously cited for driving under the influence and who’ve already been in car crashes are more likely to cause accidents when they run red lights.
About Traffic Signals
The first traffic signals were invented even before the automobile. The first were used in London in the 1860s to control railway traffic. They were powered by gas and removed when the gas proved too dangerous. Traffic signals used to control vehicular traffic were developed in the 1920s, and traffic lights finally became computerized in the 1960s. Now they use sensors and other types of smart technology. Of course, traffic signals are also types of signs, including the ubiquitous stop sign. There are also signs that warn of dangerously curved roads, roads that are slippery when wet. Signs warn drivers of the presence of road workers and deer that jump out into the highway. There are crossings for railroads, pedestrians, equestrians and school children. Unfortunately, these traffic signals are only useful if they’re taken note of and obeyed.
Accidents That Come From Signal Violations
There are several types of traffic signal violations, and the injuries and damage that can come from them are many. The most dangerous type of accident is called the T-bone crash. Also called a side impact crash, this accident happens when a driver runs a red light and slams into the side of another vehicle crossing an intersection. Though it gets its more common name from a cut of steak, the T-bone is the most dangerous of the accidents that come of signal violations. T-bone crashes are often cases for an experienced car accident lawyer like all of the attorneys at Thomas Law Offices. These cases tend to be very complex and can require a great deal of evidence and expert testimony.
Another accident happens when a driver ignores the sign that reads “No Turn on Red.” They may live in an area where right turns on red lights are permissible and common, and this one warning sign doesn’t register. Even in permissive areas, the driver needs to pause to see that the way is clear for them to make a turn on a red light. Accidents occur when the driver makes the turn without pausing to see if there’s oncoming traffic.
The left turn accident happens when a driver makes a left turn before the traffic light’s left-turn arrow turns green. Left turn accidents also happen when the driver doesn’t yield to traffic that’s crossing the lane they wish to enter.
A rear end collision happens when the driver does stop for the red light, but the person behind them doesn’t. Conversely, this sort of accident happens when the driver behind a vehicle that’s paused for the red light doesn’t stop.
Why These Accidents Happen
Human error is the most common reason that traffic signal violations happen. The driver can be driving too fast, they may be tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They may also be distracted because they’re texting on their smartphone, because of issues with a human or animal passenger or because of something they glimpse on the side of the road. There are also those drivers who simply ignore traffic signals. Drivers who cruise through red lights cause over 900 fatalities every year and over 1000 injuries every day.
Drivers who don’t understand who has the right of way at a four way stop sign can also cause accidents. By the way, the rules are that the first person to arrive has the right of way. If everyone arrives at the same time, the driver turning left has to yield to the driver turning right. When two vehicles face each other at the stop sign, the vehicle that’s turning must yield to the vehicle that’s going straight.
Another reason for traffic signal violations is the driver entering what’s called the dilemma zone. This is most often when the light turns yellow right when the car is close to the intersection, and the driver needs to decide whether to run it or slow down and stop for the coming red light. A driver may be so focused on whether to stop or go that they don’t register oncoming traffic. Indeed, most red traffic light violations happen within 1.5 seconds after the light turns red.
Sometimes, the fault isn’t with the driver. Traffic signals that don’t work the way they should also cause accidents. For example, there can be a traffic light that shows both red and green at the same time. Because of this, drivers at an intersection don’t know whether to proceed or to wait. Sometimes, traffic signals can’t be easily seen because they’re damaged or hidden by shrubbery or trees.
What’s Being Done to Prevent Traffic Signal Violations
There are ways municipal departments of traffic can reduce traffic signal violations. One way is to install red light safety cameras. These cameras are installed on a high pole at intersections that are seen to be more dangerous than usual. The camera takes pictures of people who run the red light, which enables them to be ticketed by mail. Red light safety cameras have been shown to significantly reduce the rate of crashes, including fatal crashes. In some cities, signs warn drivers that the camera is in place well before they reach the intersection.
Other safety measures include improved intersection design to make sure that drivers can clearly see traffic signals. Drivers can also practice the sort of preventive driving that gets them into the habit of noticing and obeying traffic signals.
