Colorado is a top 10 state for a lot of things: seventh in life expectancy, eighth in health, number one for least obese, ninth in outdoor lifestyle, and according to The National Coalition for Safer Roads, seventh in running red lights. Data from the Foundation for Traffic Safety for the period 2008-2017 shows Colorado tied for fifth with Florida for fatalities per 1 million people resulting from red light running.
A few years ago, our niece was working at the shop and was at the intersection of Holly and Evans, making a left turn when someone ran a red light and totaled her car. Fortunately, she was lucky and walked away without injury. Not everyone is so lucky. In 2018, 846 people were killed in red light crashes, and another 139,000 were injured. What can be done to help curb these issues and make Colorado safer?
Love or hate red light cameras, they are effective in discouraging red light running. One Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study showed that red light cameras reduced the fatal red light running crash rate by 21%. In another IIHS study in Oxnard, California and Fairfax, Virginia, cameras reduced red light violations by 40%. The study also found that by installing cameras in one intersection, nearby intersections became safer.
In addition to red light cameras, timing the yellow light is also effective. Another study found that lengthening the yellow light time by about one second reduced red light violations by 36%.
What can we learn from all this data? The key is being careful and observant, knowing that because the frequency of red light running in Colorado is high, caution is essential. Meanwhile, observe these AAA tips for drivers to prevent red light crashes:
- Don’t text or dial just because you are sitting at a red light. An intersection demands your full attention.
- Before you enter an intersection after the light turns green, take a second, and look both ways before going.
- When entering an intersection, take your foot off the accelerator and position it above the brake to be ready if something unexpected happens.
- Use good judgment. If a light has been green for a long time, then it’s more likely to turn yellow before you arrive.
- When approaching a yellow or red light, tap your brakes a couple of times before fully applying them. This should catch the attention of the driver behind you.
AAA also offers these tips for cyclists and pedestrians:
- Wait a few seconds to make sure all vehicles have come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
- Be alert and listen. Don’t wear headphones. Watch what is going on and give your full attention to what is around you.
- Try to stay in well-lit areas when crossing the street.
- Make eye contact. Look at the drivers in stopped vehicles to be sure they see you before stepping into the road.
So as sergeant Phil Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues always said, “Let’s be careful out there.”
