What Happens If You Run A Red Light

So, You're Caught on Camera Running a Red Light. Now What?

Ever found yourself at that intersection, the light turns amber, and you're like, "Can I make it?" Then, before you know it, you're cruising through on a fresh red light. Oops! We've all been there, right? But hey, what's the big deal? It's just one little red light, right?

Well, let's dive into what happens when you run that red light, and why you should care, even if you're the most cautious driver on the road.

First Things First: The Ticket

In most places, running a red light is like ringing the dinner bell for traffic cameras. They're everywhere, and they're always hungry. So, expect a nice little ticket in the mail. The cost? That varies, but it's usually a few hundred bucks. Ouch!

But wait, there's more! In some states, like California, that ticket can come with points on your license. Too many points, and you're looking at higher insurance rates, or even a suspended license. Double ouch!

Safety First, Folks

Now, let's talk about the big elephant in the room: safety. Running a red light isn't just about breaking the rules; it's about putting yourself and others in harm's way. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, red-light running crashes cause injuries and deaths every year. In 2019 alone, there were 939 people killed in red-light running crashes in the U.S.

Think about it like this: when you run a red light, you're playing a game of chicken with every car, bike, and pedestrian at that intersection. And trust me, nobody wants to be the star of a real-life game of chicken.

But I Wasn't Speeding!

You might be thinking, "I wasn't speeding, so what's the big deal?" Well, here's the thing: speeding and running red lights are both dangerous behaviors, and they often go hand in hand. A study by the AAA Foundation found that red-light runners were more likely to be speeding than other drivers.

What Determines Running A Red Light at Zac Ayers blog

So, even if you're not the speed demon type, running red lights could still be a sign that you're driving aggressively. And aggressive driving? That's a whole other can of worms.

So, What Can You Do?

First off, slow down. If you're running red lights, you're probably driving too fast. Ease off the gas, and give yourself more time to react to changing lights.

Second, pay attention. We all get distracted, but try to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. That way, you'll see that amber light coming and have time to stop.

Lastly, remember that it's not just about you. Every time you run a red light, you're putting other people at risk. So, let's all do our part to keep our roads safe, one green light at a time.