What Are the Dangers of Running a Red Light in San Antonio, TX?
January 18, 2024 | Car Accidents
When you’re approaching a traffic light and see it change from green to yellow to red, you have a choice to make. You could slow down and stop, or you could speed up and continue through the red light.
Though you may scoff at the idea while you’re not out on the road, there are many reasons why you might choose the latter course of action, such as:
- Running late
- Inattention
- A seeming lack of other traffic
- Simply not wanting to stop
Nevertheless, running red lights is by no means a solid idea. In 2021, over 1,100 people died in the United States in accidents caused by just a single driver running a red light. Of course, a fatality is the most serious potential consequence of choosing to run a red light, but it is not the only danger you and others could face.
Texas Law and Running Red Lights
Running red lights is a prohibited action across the country, and the roads in San Antonio, Texas, are no exception to that rule.
When approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic light, you are allowed to proceed through the intersection so long as you have the green light. When you see a yellow light, you must slow down and prepare to stop, and a solid red light means you must stop and not proceed through the intersection.
What Could Happen If You Run a Red Light?
You place yourself, the passengers riding with you, and any others on the road at risk any time you run a red light, intentionally or otherwise. There are at least three reasons why you should think twice before running through a red traffic light:
You Could Get a Ticket
Running a red light in Texas is a traffic offense that may result in a ticket if observed by a police officer, and that ticket can have consequences beyond its initial fine. Points are likely to be assessed against your license, and repeat traffic offenders could see their driving privileges suspended altogether.
Your Insurance Rates Might Increase
Your insurance rates are set in part based on your insurer’s estimation of the risk of loss you pose. When you run a red light and are ticketed for it, the offense can end up on your driving record, which your insurer has the ability to review.
Based on a history of traffic violations, your provider can ultimately conclude that you present a greater risk of accident and loss and raise your rates accordingly.
You Could Get Into an Accident
Though the relatively low figure of 1,100 fatality crashes may have been caused by drivers running red lights, many more accidents happen every year that result in serious injuries that red-light running causes. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration states that you are more likely to be injured in a wreck caused by running a red light than any other violation.
If you cause a crash as a result of running a red light, you could be held responsible for the injuries others suffer. While your insurance policy will pay for some of these losses, you could still be ordered to pay any costs your provider does not.
Think Twice About Running a Red Light in Texas
The next time you approach an intersection and see the light begin to change, slow down and stop. The minutes you might save by cutting through a red light on your commute are not worth the risks to your license, wallet, and safety.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in San Antonio, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Antonio, Texas, and need legal help, contact our San Antonio car accident lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955, San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909
