Arizona Cities Among Top 10 for Red Light Fatalities
According to new research, red light accidents are some of the deadliest in the United States. In fact, the National Coalition for Safer Roads reported that in 2013, around 127,000 people were injured by drivers who ran red lights, while 697 people were killed. Sadly, these accidents occur too frequently in Arizona.
Arizona is one of the states suffering the most from these negligent drivers. According to the National Coalition for Safer Roads, Tucson and Phoenix appeared on the list of the 10 Most Dangerous Cities for Red Light Running. The list was compiled over a period spanning 2004 to 2013.
Red Light Accidents Impact Everyone
Often, the person running the red light isn’t the one who suffers the most devastating injury. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that around half of all fatalities in red light accidents are pedestrians, bicyclists, and passengers in other cars.
The amount of accidents heavily affects car insurance rates, medical insurance rates, and provokes a large number of lawsuits, increasing everyone’s financial burden. Over time, responsible drivers end up paying the price for other’s risky driving behavior by paying higher insurance premiums.
Red Light Rule
Like many other states, Arizona has what is known as the “permissive yellow rule.” This rule is defined by the Federal Highway Administration, which says that drivers are legally able to enter an intersection when the light is yellow and that a violation occurs if a driver enters the intersection once the yellow light has turned red.
Drivers who pass when the light is red exhibit carelessness while driving. Such drivers can expect a fine and a traffic citation. If this driving behavior leads to an accident that results in another’s injury or death, the driver might face criminal charges and a lawsuit for civil damages.
Avoiding Red Light Accidents
Many states have pledged to educate motorists to combat the high death rate from red light accidents. Hundreds of intersections across Arizona have been equipped with red-light cameras to help drivers resist the temptation of running red lights. Other campaigns include eliminating texting and driving, which is a growing problem for drivers all over the country.
- Across the United States, the campaign to stop red-light accidents emphasizes three points:
- Approach intersections slowly, keeping an eye out for pedestrians
Stop and look before you make a turn
Slow down at a yellow light, minding any people or cars ahead of you - The best way to prevent accidents is to slow down and limit distractions in the car. By focusing on the road, drivers can avoid making this costly and deadly mistake.
Working with a Tucson Red Light Accident Lawyer
Red light accident victims and their families can speak with a Tucson car accident attorney to learn about the steps they should take to receive compensation. Whether you have suffered harm or the wrongful death of a loved one, we are here to answer all your questions and guide your personal injury lawsuit. Our lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation for:
- All medical expenses related to the accident
- Psychological and psychiatric treatment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship, love, care, or protection from the deceased person
- Loss of anticipated future earnings the deceased would have earned
- Loss of retirement benefits, pension, and other benefits
- Punitive damages intended to punish wrongdoers may be possible
Call our Tucson car accident lawyers today at (520) 571-9700 for a free case review. You won’t pay us a dime until we recover the funds you need.