9 juli 2008
Running a red light is one of five most frequently committed traffic offences. Running a red light can have dramatic consequences. Traffic lights are programmed to let the traffic flow as efficiently as possible on large or busy junctions. The period of time between changing the light from green to red and turning green for traffic coming from a different direction is very short. People running a red light on such a junction might end up colliding with oncoming traffic which had a green light. Collisions often have disastrous consequences for all of those involved. Not only material damage occurs but often people are wounded heavily and have to be hospitalised. If the crash includes pedestrians or cyclists, the consequences are even worse.
More people stop for a red light
Thankfully most people stop for a red light. On junctions where running a red light still occurs frequently, red light cameras will be placed. If such a camera has been introduced on a certain junction, the number of red light runners usually drops to less than 1 percent. Even so, it is always wise to check if the junction is really free before crossing it.