The Physical Consequences of Running Red Lights
When people decide to run a red light, they are traveling at a high rate of speed. Rather than slowing down when the light turns yellow, they keep going at the same speed. Doing this leads to serious collisions because both motorists are likely to be traveling at the highest speeds.
One common auto accident that occurs after running a red light is the “T-bone accident.” This is when the vehicle running the red light collides with the side of another vehicle, and it results in catastrophic injuries. The passengers in the other vehicle pay the highest price as they are hit head-on. This is also the type of crash that can end with the vehicles flipping over.
According to Highways.dot.gov, if you run a red light, the people who receive the most deleterious consequences will be you and your passengers. In addition to that, 50% of the people killed in crashes after someone runs a red light turned out to be motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, passengers and other motorists.
The Financial Consequences of Running Red Lights
You will experience several financial consequences after running a red light. Every state has the right to determine these fines for itself, but you can expect fines to range from $50 to $1,000. The amount will be higher if it occurred in a work zone or near a school. In some states, you may receive a higher fine if it is a subsequent offense.
Causing a Collision
If you cause a collision after running a red light, you will receive more than a fine. You will also be charged criminally in this case. When running a red light leads to a car collision, the fine will be much higher than the fine listed above. In addition to that, you may be arrested on a manslaughter, vehicular assault or reckless endangerment charge if anyone is hurt. These charges can lead to the most serious consequences. For example, if you are convicted of a manslaughter charge, you may receive a prison sentence.
These charges increase the amount of money you may owe beyond a fine. For example, in some court cases, the verdict may include financial restitution for the victims.
The Long-Term Financial Consequences
Running a red light also results in long-term financial consequences. After receiving a citation for running a red light, this is reported to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. With each violation, your driver’s license receives “points.” Insurance providers check their clients’ driving records to find out whether or not points have been added to their licenses. Insurers see the addition of points as meaning that you are a dangerous driver, so they adjust your rates by as much as 15 – 20%.
An insurer may also decide to terminate your insurance coverage because you have too many points on your record. In this case, other insurers will not consider you to be a safe driver, so you will be charged the highest rates.
After a collision, authorities determine the cause of the crash so the correct motorist can be held liable. In most cases, this person will be the one who ran the red light. The victims will have the right to hold you accountable for their injuries and property damages, and you will be required to pay their medical and property repair bills. If you are in a fault state, the court may also require you to pay the victims’ pain and suffering. Therefore, the effects of running a red light may last for many years.
