Safety Manager Tip of the Month: Red Light Safety at Intersections

In 2024, 1,119 people were killed in crashes involving red light running, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). A study of 19 intersections without red light cameras found an average of 3.2 violations per hour at each intersection.

What Counts as Running a Red Light

A driver runs a red light when the vehicle enters the intersection after the signal has turned red. Motorist who are in the intersection when the signal changes – waiting to turn left, for example – are not red-light runners.

This dangerous practice is especially common on city streets, where crashes that involve motorists running red lights, stop signs and other traffic controls account for almost one in four collisions. The frequency of red light running makes it critical that drivers obey all intersection signs and signals, and that you never assume other drivers will do the same.

The Professional Driver Reminder

Even professional drivers should be reminded from time to time about what specific traffic signals mean and how to obey them.

It may seem obvious that drivers must come to a full stop at a red light. But that’s not the only thing to keep in mind. When stopped at a red light, it may be tempting to attend to other tasks, like checking e-mail or texts or opening snacks and drinks. Red lights are not timeouts from driving. Rather, it is critical that you remain focused on your surroundings. Keep your attention on the intersection so you are ready when traffic moves.