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A new AAA study shows fatalities from running red lights has hit a 10-year-high. Nationally, 939 deaths were recorded in 2017, the last full year the numbers were available. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the trend is reflected locally.
“We’re not immune here in Louisiana. We average about ten deaths a year at intersections because someone ran a red light. 2017 was about an 18% increase versus the previous year,” said Redman.
Redman says although 85% of those polled said running red lights is dangerous, many admit to being guilty of doing so.
“They realize how dangerous it is, yet nearly a third of everyone responding said that they blew through a red light in the past 30 days,” said Redman.
Redman says it is important to keep your head on a swivel when sitting at a red light.
“We found that about four seconds after that light has turned green is the most dangerous time to enter that intersection, so look both directions a couple of times before you enter that intersection,” said Redman.
