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Traffic lights have been telling us when to stop since the first gas-powered red and green lights went up in London in 1868. Unfortunately, the transition from horse-drawn carriages to high-tech cars hasn’t eliminated intersection dangers. And the problem be a concern for all drivers.
According to a 2020 survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly half (45%) of U.S. drivers aged 16 and older admitted to exceeding the freeway speed limit by 15 mph or more within the past 30 days.
Additionally, 23% confessed to running a red light, while 21% reported engaging in aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or frequent lane changes. (Source: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
In a follow-up survey conducted in 2022, which included 2,499 drivers, 89% identified aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating as highly dangerous, and 83% considered running a red light equally hazardous.
Surprisingly, perceptions of risk were notably lower for speeding: only 61% viewed driving 10 mph over the speed limit in residential areas as highly dangerous, and just 47% felt the same about exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph on a freeway.
These findings highlight a concerning disconnect between perceived and actual dangers on the road. (Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, November 2023, https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/)
Prepare to stop: As you approach an intersection, lift your foot off the accelerator and position your foot just above the brake pedal, without touching it.
Use good judgment: Monitor the light to see if it has been green for a long time. If it has, it’s more likely to turn yellow as you arrive at the intersection.
Tap the brake: As you approach a red or yellow light, tap your brakes a few times before fully applying them. This will catch the attention of drivers who may be inattentive or distracted behind you.
Drive defensively: When you’re stopped at an intersection and the light turns green, look both ways before proceeding so you can spot any driver running a red light.
Wait: Give yourself a few seconds before entering the intersection to make sure all cars have come to a complete stop.
Make eye contact: Look at drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before crossing the road in front of them.
Stay alert and listen: Don’t take chances and don’t wear headphones—give your full attention to what’s around you so you can better spot any drivers running a red light.
Be visible: Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.
Drive safe!
AAA has great resources for all drivers -- young or old -- just starting to drive or been behind the wheel for decades.
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