BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New data found deaths as a result of drivers running red lights are at a 10-year high in the U.S.
The AAA Foundation found 939 people were killed as a result of drivers running red lights in 2017. This is an increase of 28 percent from 2012.
Of those killed, 46 percent were passengers or people in other vehicles--and nearly 5 percent were pedestrians or cyclists.
"Drivers who decide to run a red light when they could have stopped safely are making a reckless choice that puts other road users in danger," says Dr. Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The foundation recommends enforcing red light traffic cameras in order to ensure safety.
AAA also says drivers need to change their behavior by suggesting the following:
- Drive defensively
- Prepare to stop
- Tap the brake
- Use good judgement
For pedestrians and cyclists, AAA gives these tips:
- Be visible
- Make eye contact
- Stay alert and listen
- Wait
Wednesday, police in Amherst say a 10-year-old boy was hit by a car while crossing the road on Millersport Highway and Hartford. Police say they are looking into the possibility that the driver ran a red light when she hit the boy.
"We're looking at all kinds of issues, signal lights, directions of travel," said Kevin Brown with Amherst Police.
The young boy is now out of the hospital and expected to be okay. So far no charges have been filed against the driver.
