In 2019, hundreds of people in the United States died in car accidents caused by someone who ran a red light. Approximately 130,000 injuries came from accidents caused by red light runners during that year. If you are the driver, there are steps you can take to avoid a red light accident are:

Step One: Pay Attention

Distracted driving is the leading cause of traffic accidents. Avoid doing anything that distracts your mind from paying close attention to traffic at an intersection or on the highway. Common mistakes, which cause accidents, are using a phone, adjusting the radio or mirror, or turning around to talk to someone in the back seat.

It is very important to avoid using a cell phone while driving. Never text while driving. Even if you have a hands-free mobile phone system installed, you may pay more attention to the phone call than to driving. It’s best to stop in a safe place out of traffic to make and receive phone calls. If you must use a hands-free phone while driving, pay close attention to the road and don’t let your mind wander during a call.

Step Two: Slow Down

It’s not worth risking your life to get somewhere a few minutes earlier than you would arrive driving safely. Do not speed up to pass the yellow light. Instead, when you see the lights turn yellow, check your rearview mirror to make sure no car follows you too closely and brakes safely in time. Make sure you brake properly and that your vehicle does not extend into the intersection when it stops.

Step Three: Don’t Skip the Green Light

Studies show that most accidents with red lights occur within a second and a half after the traffic light turns red. If you are stopped and waiting for a red light to change to green, pay close attention to the other cars entering the intersection. When the traffic light changes to green, hold it down for a second and make sure there is no other car running the red light. Look in both directions to make sure all cars stop. You can avoid a fatal car accident by seeing someone running a red light and letting them do so without hitting your vehicle.

Seek Help From An Attorney

If you were in a red light accident, get legal help from a personal injury attorney Washington-based, especially if you live in that area. If you or a loved one were injured when another driver struck your vehicle after running a red light, you should call.