Deaths caused by red-light runners are completely avoidable. Yet, studies show the number of people dying due to motorists running red lights is on the rise across Kentucky and the nation. Research also shows that Kentucky sees more drivers running red lights than 43 of the 50 states, raising questions about why these numbers are so high.
Per Herald Magazine, deaths caused by drivers running red lights rose almost 30% between 2012 and 2017, with 939 fatalities related to red-light running taking place within this span.
Kentucky red-light fatalities
Kentucky ranks seventh in the nation in terms of the number of fatalities that result from motorists blowing through red lights. Kentucky sees 3.4 such deaths for every 1 million residents. This is a higher rate than that seen in the neighboring states of Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia. There were also 150 road deaths related to red-light runners in Kentucky between 2012 and 2017.
Causes of Kentucky red-light fatalities
Many fatal crashes involving drivers who run red lights share similar elements in common. Often, driver distraction plays a role, with motorists not paying attention to traffic signals due to cellphone use, interactions with other passengers or what have you. An increase in impatient and reckless drivers on Kentucky’s roads likely also contributes to the rising number of motorists who are running red lights.
Research also shows that drivers have hypocritical viewpoints when it comes to running red lights. The vast majority of today’s drivers agree that running red lights is extremely dangerous. However, one in three admit to having blown a red light within the last 30 days.
