Red-light cameras were intended to help reduce traffic accidents around intersections and improve the overall safety of the public, but studies have proven the opposite.
Injured in An Accident Involving a Red-Light Camera? A Colorado Car Accident Lawyer Can Assist You
An article by Phys.org stated, “Touted by supporters as a way to increase public safety by ticketing drivers who continue through red lights, the cameras actually shift traffic patterns: More drivers tend to brake harder and more abruptly, increasing fender-benders and other so-called “non-angle” collisions.”
The dangers of red-light cameras can be serious and have caused an increasing amount of collisions in the United States. Our Colorado car accident lawyers at Heuser & Heuser can help you file a claim for the damages and injuries you endured in a motor vehicle accident.
Red-Light Dangers
Red-light cameras were intended to prevent drivers from running red lights. However, they have caused drivers to slam on their brakes to avoid being ticketed. This is dangerous because when a driver slams on their brakes, it can result in a chain reaction and cause multiple cars to crash. Although red-light cameras have saved lives by encouraging people not to run red lights, they have also caused injuries and property damage.
The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) shared these alarming statistics about how serious red-light running has become:
- 2 people died each day in red-light running crashes on average in the U.S. in 2015
- 60 people died each month in red-light running crashes
- 710 people died each year in red-light running crashes on average from 2011-2015
Tips After A Collision
After a car crash, the following steps are essential. Follow these tips on what to do in the moments after an accident:
- Check to see if anyone is injured
- Call emergency personnel
- If possible, move the vehicles over to the side of the road to prevent any further injuries
- Take photos of the accident from multiple angles
- Contact your insurance company
- Collect important information such as the other driver’s insurance and phone number
- Contact one of our attorneys to help you with your case
DMV Accident Reports
In some cases, accidents are not reported. If you have suffered damages and injuries, it can be challenging to receive compensation without an accident report. The DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles, offers multiple resources on their website and lists these tips for filing a DMV accident report:
- Always file a DMV accident report if the other involved driver is uninsured
- File the report as soon as possible after the accident
- Include as much detail as possible in your report
- Keep a copy of the report for your own records
- If you are not required to file a report but the police were involved, request a copy of the report filed by the police for your records
If you would like to obtain a copy of your car accident report, you can do so by going to the DMV’s website.
Ways To Avoid Red-Light Running
Red-light cameras were intended to reduce accidents but collisions continue to occur. Safety should be the number one priority while driving on the roadways but, unfortunately, not everyone obeys traffic laws. For this reason, all drivers need to take safety into their own hands and obey the laws and regulations surrounding red-lights to help prevent accidents. Listed below are ways you can help bring safety to the highways and avoid running a red light:
- Be alert to your surroundings- It’s important to be aware of the cars around you, as well as upcoming lights that may require you to slow down or stop.
- Know the laws for yellow lights
- Watch your speed and obey the limit- Obeying the speed limit is vital. When you disobey the posted speed limit, it will take you longer to slow down when approaching a light.
- Never allow yourself to drive drowsy or distracted- Distractions are a major cause of accidents. If you are distracted while driving, it could cause you to stop late or drive past the light.
Drivers should not only worry about their safety, but also the safety of others. Implementing these tips could help you and other drivers avoid running red lights. Remember, major intersections are high-risk areas for crashes, so it’s essential to be alert while driving.
Additional Resources for Residents
Drive Smart Colorado is a website that offers resources to educate drivers on road safety. Additionally, their website includes multiple resource links to help further your awareness about safety on the roadways. Visit the links below to learn more:
- Colorado Department of Revenue
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- American Automobile Association
Building A Solid Case For You
Our team of experienced attorneys believes that building solid cases increases our clients’ chances of receiving compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills. We know every case has unique needs and the circumstances surrounding each will vary. Our lawyers carefully evaluate every case by investigating crash photos, police reports, and witness accounts. We use these resources and more to help you receive the best compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Contact Our Firm Today
Our Colorado car accident lawyers at Heuser & Heuser understand how stressful automobile accidents can be and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Red-light camera accidents are becoming increasingly common. If you were injured in this type of accident, we are ready to fight for you. Call our office today at (719) 520-9909 or fill out our free consultation form.
