According to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the last full year numbers are available and show the number of people killed due to someone driving through a red light reached 939 in 2017. This is a 31% increase from a low of 715 in 2009. The study tracked anyone who was killed, which includes the driver, passengers, people in another vehicle or people outside of a vehicle.
According to the director of traffic safety advocacy and research for AAA, “This is at least two people killed every day at the hands of drivers blowing through red lights.” Possible factors that contribute to the reasons for the increase in fatalities include the fact that Americans are driving more, and that drivers are more distracted due to the rise of the use of smartphones. Additionally, Americans admit that they occasionally disregard red lights. It is speculated that in the future, self-driving cars could one day help prevent intersection crashes.
When someone is injured or dies in an accident, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.