Whether it’s due to aggressiveness behind the wheel, distraction or a “me first” attitude, drivers choosing to run red lights cause more than 1,000 fatalities every year putting not only their own lives at risk but those of other road users as well.

National Stop on Red Week runs through Aug. 9, and AAA is taking the opportunity to remind drivers that ignoring traffic signals — a bad decision no matter the reasoning — can have dire consequences.

“Drivers who make the choice to run a red light when they could have stopped safely are making a reckless decision that puts others in danger,” says Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager, AAA. “With so many fatalities across the country ever year due to red-light running, it’s critical all road users are aware of the increased risk. You can’t control the bad driving habits of others, but you can follow precautions to minimize your own risk due to their choices.”

The most recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety Culture Index, which focuses on self-reported driving behaviors and attitudes, found that most respondents believed driving through a red light (81%) was very or extremely dangerous, although only 51% believed such behavior would get the attention of law enforcement. When asked about their own driving behavior over the most recent 30 days, 27% reported driving through a red light at least once, while 73% said they had never done so in the past 30 days.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 1,086 people were killed and more than 136,000 injured in crashes that involved red-light running in 2023, the most recent data available.

The red-light runners were more likely than other drivers to be male, to be younger and to have prior crashes or alcohol-impaired driving convictions, according to IIHS. They were also more likely to be speeding or alcohol-impaired at the time of the crash and less likely to have a valid driver’s license.

The combination of speeding while also running a red light increases the potential for serious injury or death and not just for the offending driver.

“Half of those killed by red-light runners are occupants of the driver’s vehicle, pedestrians, bicyclists and people in other vehicles,” Hitchens says. “This is clearly one of those choices that impacts not just the person making the decision to disobey the traffic signal, but all road users around them.”

Ohio State Highway Patrol data shows that in 2024, there were 12,913 collisions due to a driver’s disregard of a traffic control, resulting in 87 deaths. Most of these types of crashes in the state occurred in Franklin County.

County

Number of crashes

Franklin

1,505

Hamilton

1,489

Cuyahoga

1,182

Montgomery

926

Summit

809

Lucas

696

Curbing red-light running through a Safe System Approach

Understanding what may motivate a red-light runner to change their driving behavior is key to reducing injuries and fatalities at intersections. Sadly, the risk of taking a life may be less motivating than a hit to the wallet.

AAA believes traditional enforcement is the best way to get drivers to comply with any traffic safety law, but it is impossible for police to be at every intersection. To fill that void, many communities are adopting a more holistic Safe System Approach that combines strategies to address five objectives: safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care.

The Safe System Approach includes recommendations to curb red-light running by implementing adequate yellow light intervals.

Studies have shown that increasing yellow light timing to values recommended by the Institute of Transportation Engineers can significantly decrease the frequency of red-light violations and reduce the risk of crashes, according to IIHS. But adjusting yellow signal time alone may not be enough to significantly reduce red-light running crashes.

Another recommendation of the Safe System Approach is to utilize automated enforcement using red-light cameras to help augment traditional law enforcement.

An IIHS study conducted in Philadelphia found that while a longer yellow reduced red-light violations by 36%, adding camera enforcement further cut red light running by an additional 96%, underscoring the importance of addressing the red-light running problem through multiple measures.

IIHS research comparing large metro areas has shown cameras reduce the fatal red-light running crash rate of large cities by 21% and the rate of all types of fatal crashes at signalized intersections by 14%.

“Well-publicized camera programs can discourage would-be violators who may be less willing to risk a citation than they were to risk a life,” says Hitchens.

AAA, IIHS and other traffic safety advocates have developed an automated enforcement program checklist for communities to follow when implementing an automated enforcement program as one component of a more comprehensive traffic safety program. AAA recommends communities target roadways with a demonstrated pattern of violations or crashes, with any revenue generated used specifically for traffic safety programs.

It’s also recommended that drivers be notified of camera use through signage, education and other methods. Cameras should be calibrated regularly and only operated under direct supervision of law enforcement personnel. As with all traffic safety programs, results should be evaluated periodically to ensure safety benefits are being realized.

Reducing risks from red-light runners

With the number of red-light running crashes continuing to climb, AAA offers these tips for avoiding crashes caused by running red lights:

Limit distractions. AAA Foundation research finds that distraction from activities such as hands-free texting or dialing while sitting at a red light, can linger with a driver for up to 27 seconds afterward. This is long enough for a driver to be unaware of an upcoming traffic signal.

Drive defensively. If your vehicle is waiting at the front of the line to pass through an intersection, take a moment to look both ways when the light turns green before you advance. Don’t assume all cross traffic has obeyed the red light.

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. That fraction of a second you can hit the brake more quickly could prevent a collision.

Use good judgment. Monitor “stale” green lights―those that have been green a long time―as you approach the intersection. They are more likely to turn yellow by the time you arrive at the intersection, so anticipate the need to make a safe stop. Don’t let an aggressive driver behind you influence your decision to stop on red.

Tap the brake. Lightly tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them to slow down as you approach an intersection. This will help catch the attention of drivers behind you who may be inattentive or distracted. It can let them know you fully intend to stop for an upcoming yellow or red light.

AAA has the following tips for pedestrians and bicyclists to reduce risk of injury or death due to a red-light runner:

Wait. Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop before moving through the intersection. Watch for turning traffic. Drivers are less likely to see you and may be making the corner without adequately reducing speed in an attempt to beat the oncoming cross traffic.

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.

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About AAA:

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