To Prevent Monterey Car Accidents, #StopOnRed
Car accidents in Monterey are one of the leading causes of personal injuries. Red light running is one of the most common reasons why they happen. In August, a nationwide public service campaign encourages sharing the hashtag #StopOnRed as a way of raising awareness and helping to reduce the risks.
The Risks Of Red Light Running
Intersections are one of the most likely places for car accidents in Monterey. Crashes that occur at these locations are also among those most likely to result in serious, potentially life-threatening personal injuries. Failing to stop at red lights is one of the most common causes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) warns that any time a vehicle enters an intersection after the signal light has turned red, it is a major traffic violation and increases the risk of a collision. In addition to blatantly disregarding traffic signs and signals, red light running also includes:
- Making a legal right on red when there is traffic approaching;
- Increasing your speed and racing to get through yellow lights while the light is changing;
- Surging forwards into the intersection moments before a red light turns green.
Red light running not only increases the risk of personal injuries, but is one of the most common factors in fatal crashes. While police make every effort to apprehend offenders, they cannot be everywhere at all times. The IIHS states that red light safety cameras offer an effective way to help discourage this type of dangerous driving behavior. Studies show that it can decrease intersection crash risks by as much as 20 percent.
Raising Awareness Through the Stop On Red Campaign
The National Coalition for Safer Roads reports that more than 110,000 people are killed each year as a result of running red lights while hundreds of thousands of other victims suffer serious personal injuries due to these crashes. To raise awareness of the risks, they sponsor the annual Stop on Red week. in 2023, it runs from August 7th through 13th.
By encouraging people to share the hashtag #StopOnRed, they hope to help prevent these crashes. Important facts about red light running that all drivers need to know include:
- More than 4.2 million drivers admit to running a red light at some point over the past year;
- More than 1.3 million red-light running violations happen between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 pm.;
- More drivers run red lights over the summer than at any other time of year;
- Speeding is often involved in red light running crashes, which not only increases the risks of a car accident but also the severity of injuries.
Contact Our Monterey Car Accident Lawyer
At the Allen Law Firm, we represent victims of red light running and other crashes, helping them get the compensation they are entitled to in a claim. To get the total amount you need to recover, call or contact our Monterey car accident lawyer online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
ncsrsafety.org/stop-on-red-week-2022/
iihs.org/topics/red-light-running