The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety states that red-light running is leading to more and more deaths, 65% of them being someone other than the offending driver. In fact, 2017 (the latest year for which complete crash data is available) saw a 30% increase in these deaths when compared to 2012. Drivers and pedestrians alike in West Virginia will want to recall the ways they can protect themselves from red-light runners.

For drivers, it means driving defensively and looking both ways before proceeding at a green light. Rather than speeding off the moment the light turns green, drivers should pause for a moment. When entering an intersection, drivers should cover their brake. If the pedestrian crossing signal has turned into the flashing orange hand, then the green light will soon turn yellow. This is important to think about when passing through the intersection.

Red-light running is often the result of distracted driving, especially phone use behind the wheel. To catch the attention of distracted motorists who are following, a driver could tap their brakes a few times before braking to a full stop.

As for pedestrians and bicyclists, they too should wait a few seconds to avoid potential red-light runners. They should not wear headphones because that can cause inattention. It’s best to stay in well-lit areas, too.

Should a red-light runner cause an accident, an injured victim may be eligible for compensation. Third-party insurance claims are a major undertaking, so a victim may want a lawyer to assist them. After gathering evidence of the other’s negligence, the lawyer could determine a fair amount in damages. Legal counsel may then negotiate for that amount out of court, leaving litigation as a last resort.