Page 33 - AAA Magazine – AAA Ohio Auto Club – November 2019

very dangerous, yet nearly one in three say they blew through a red light within the past 30 days when they could have stopped safely. More than two in five drivers also say it is unlikely police will stop them for running a red light. Nevertheless, it’s against the law, and if a driver is involved in a deadly crash it could send them to jail.
Enforcement and Red-light Cameras
While enforcement is the best way to get drivers
to comply with any law, police can’t be at every intersection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that when properly implemented, red-light cameras reduced 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%.
“Deaths caused by red-light running are on the rise,” said Jessica Cicchino, IIHS vice president for research. “Cameras increase the odds that violators will get caught, and well-publicized camera programs discourage would-be violators from taking those odds. Camera enforcement is a proven way to reduce red-light running and save lives.”
Proper implementation of red-light cameras helps
to ensure drivers’ safety and trust in the systems. When using red-light camera programs, local governments should incorporate best practices, such as:
• Using the camera program as part of a comprehensive
traffic safety strategy, including engineering and
education.
• Only implementing programs on roadways with a
demonstrated pattern of violations or crashes.
• Notifying drivers that cameras are being used (signage
and other methods).
• Calibrating cameras regularly.
• Only operating cameras under the direct supervision
of law enforcement personnel.
• Evaluating the programs periodically to ensure safety
benefits are being realized.
Driver and Pedestrian Red-light Safety Recommendations
Changes in driver behavior also are critical to reducing the number of red-light running crashes on U.S. roads. To prevent red-light crashes, AAA recommends that drivers:
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.
Use Good Judgment: Monitor “stale” green lights, those that have been green a long time as you’ve
85% of drivers view red-light running as very dangerous, yet nearly one in three say they blew through a red light within the past 30 days when they could have stopped safely.
approached the intersection. They are more likely to
turn yellow as you arrive at the intersection.
Tap the Brake: Tap your brakes a couple of times
before fully applying them to slow down. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.
Drive Defensively: When a light turns green, take a second and look both ways before proceeding.
Pedestrians and cyclists should also stay safe when traveling near intersections. AAA recommends:
Wait: Give yourself a few seconds to make sure all cars
have come to a complete stop before moving through
the intersection.
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.
AAA provides more than 60 million members with travel-, insurance-, financial- and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited online at AAA.com.
NOVEMBER 2019 | 31
istock.com/ LiHotShots