For many drivers, sitting at a red light simply means intently watching the light and waiting for it to turn green. They don’t pay much attention to cross traffic unless they’re planning to turn right, in which case they need to wait for a safe gap to make the turn. But if they’re waiting to proceed straight, they can’t move until the light turns green, so that’s often their sole focus.
However, as soon as the light does switch to green, it’s wise to pause before proceeding through the intersection. Take a moment to look both ways and ensure that no one is running the red light. After all, the light itself won’t stop another driver from making a critical mistake that could cause a serious car accident. Intersections are among the most common locations for severe accidents, both in urban and rural areas.
Every 20 minutes
The reason not to blindly trust a green light is that, in the United States, someone runs a red light approximately every 20 minutes, every day of the year. It’s an incredibly common occurrence.
Drivers often assume that having the right of way means they can proceed safely—and this may be true 99% of the time. But all it takes is one instance of another driver running a red light to cause a devastating accident.
Defensive driving matters
At its core, this is an example of defensive driving. Legally, a driver with a green light has no obligation to check cross traffic, as they do have the right of way. However, a defensive driver takes an extra second to check both directions, prioritizing safety and reducing the risk of a collision.
Even the safest driving habits can’t guarantee that you won’t be injured in an accident caused by someone else. If you are, it’s important to understand your legal rights and how to seek financial compensation.