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U.S. NEWS Friday 30 august 2019

Deaths caused by drivers running red lights at 10-year high

DETROIT (AP) — The num- far higher rate than overall a driver ran a red light.
ber of people killed by driv- U.S. roadway deaths. Since The automobile club rec-
ers running red lights has hit 2012 the overall number of ommends that govern-
a 10-year high, and AAA is highway fatalities rose 10%, ments increase use of red
urging drivers and pedestri- far short of the 28% increase light cameras directly su-
ans to use caution at traffic in red-light running deaths. pervised by authorities in
signals. There are more people order to boost enforce-
In 2017, the latest figures driving more miles since the ment where needed and
available, 939 people were Great Recession, but that not to raise revenue.
killed by vehicles blowing doesn't explain why red- It also says drivers should
through red lights, accord- light deaths are increasing prepare to stop as they
ing to a AAA study of gov- at a faster rate, said Brian are entering an intersec-
ernment crash data. Tefft, senior researcher for tion and tap their brakes
It's the highest death toll the AAA Foundation. He while approaching a light
since 2008 and 28% higher said he suspects distracted to warn other drivers of a
than in 2012. driving played a role, as did possible stop. AAA also rec-
AAA says two people are traffic lights that weren't ommends waiting a sec-
killed every day in the U.S. timed optimally, perhaps ond after a light changes
by drivers who don't stop with a yellow caution cycle to green before proceed-
for the signals. that's too short. ing, and checking to make In this March 30, 2018, file photo, a motorist waits at a traffic
light while the waxing full moon rises in the distance in Overland
"Drivers who decide to run "I wish we had a better an- sure crossing traffic has Park, Kan.
a red light when they could swer than we do," he said, stopped. Associated Press
have stopped safely are adding that the answer For pedestrians and cyclists,
making a reckless choice was beyond the scope of AAA recommends taking a
that puts other road users the data in the study of few seconds to make sure
in danger," David Yang, fatal crash data from the traffic has stopped before
executive director of AAA's National Highway Traffic crossing a street. It also says
Foundation for Traffic Safe- Safety Administration. to be visible, make eye
ty, said Thursday. In its analysis, AAA also contact with drivers and
AAA isn't sure why the num- found that 28% of crash stay alert by not wearing
bers are on the rise or why deaths at intersections with headphones while walking
they have increased at a signals happened because or riding.q