Truck Accident News

Moving Traffic Violations

One of the primary causes of crashes at signalized intersections involves a vehicle entering an intersection when the red signal is displayed. This type of collision occurs frequently. According to preliminary estimates by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for 2001, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were nearly 218,000 red-light running crashes at intersections (1). These crashes resulted in as many as 181,000 injuries and 880 fatalities, and an economic loss estimated at $14 billion per year. Clearly, red-light running, which is reported to be on the rise as with other aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating and not stopping or even slowing at stop-controlled intersections, has become a national safety problem.

Red-light running is also a complex problem. There is no simple or single reason to explain why drivers run red lights. There is a tendency to cite driver error-either intentional or unintentional disregard of the traffic signal. As will be presented in the report, redlight runners are more likely to be younger than 30-years old, have a record of moving violations, are driving without a valid license and/or have consumed alcohol. There are elements of driver psychology and sociology behind the violations and any driver may be susceptible to committing a violation. There is also evidence that drivers may be induced into running red lights because of improper signal design or operation. These elements make red-light running difficult to predict and a difficult problem to solve.

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	Did You Know?
	A driver can be disqualified for one year for a first time conviction of the following offenses while operating a commercial vehicle. Penalties can include: Driving under the influence of alcohol or any drugs; Driving with an alcohol concentration of .04 or more; Leaving the scene of an accident; Using a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony; or Refusing to take a blood alcohol test. If convicted of any of the above while operating a vehicle placarded for hazardous materials, the disqualification increases to three years.