One of the most dangerous scenarios on the road is when a semi-truck runs a red light.
While this mistake might seem innocent enough (after all, who hasn’t missed a light by accident once or twice?) it can have disastrous consequences when involving a large truck or commercial vehicle. Just last week, a woman in Naples died when a semi-truck ran a red light and struck her car in the middle of an intersection. She was making a legal, lefthand turn. She had her kids in the car and was following the rules of the road. And, she was the one who paid the price when a truck driver made a deadly mistake.
This issue isn’t new. It’s been going on for years, at large and here in our own community. If you look at the evidence, it’s obvious that large trucks pose a higher risk to you in an intersection than standard vehicles. Why?
Why is it so dangerous when a semi-truck runs a red light?
As we mentioned, missing a red light happens to the best driver occasionally. So, why is it so dangerous when a semi-truck driver makes this mistake?
Semi-trucks can’t stop easily.
Semi-trucks and other large, commercial vehicles can’t stop quickly or easily. If they start to run a red light, they won’t be able to slow down and come to a sudden stop like a typical passenger vehicle. Instead, they often blow through the intersection full-stop, leaving devastation in their wake if any other cars cross their path.
When a semi-truck runs a red light, it increases the chances of a collision.
Smaller passenger vehicles can usually avoid a mid-intersection crash, even if they run a red light. By swerving, slamming on brakes, or speeding up quickly, drivers can typically miss collisions with other cars, or at the very least, minimize the impact. Semi-trucks and commercial vehicles however are large, and take up a significant amount of space in the intersection. It’s much harder for them to swerve, stop, or avoid a collision. Therefore, if they run a light, the chances of impact with other drivers are much higher.
Damage is worse.
As we’ve stated in previous blogs, the damage in a semi-truck accident is severe and widespread. Victims suffer from serious injuries, many of these accidents result in fatalities, and property damage is almost guaranteed. All crashes are dangerous, but the damage in a semi-truck accident is usually the worst.
It shows a driver’s disregard for rules and safety.
When training for the job, and sitting for their license test, semi-truck drivers must know and understand the laws surrounding red lights and intersections. When they decide to run a red light, they’re showing their blatant disregard for those laws, and for the safety of themselves, their cargo, and other drivers on the road.
As you can see, accidents with semi-truck drivers who choose to push the limits and run red lights are a huge risk.
How can I protect myself from red light accidents?
How can you protect yourself from an accident when a semi-truck runs a red light?a
While you can’t control the actions of semi-truck drivers on the road around you, you can make smart decisions that protect you and your passengers. To avoid a collision when a semi-truck runs a red light, remember:
- stay behind the white line when stopping at intersections. If you cross that line and part of your vehicle protrudes into the intersection, you’re vulnerable to cross-traffic.
- look twice before pulling out, even if you have the green light! This is crucial. Don’t pull out until you’ve looked both ways twice.
- don’t rush through a yellow light trying to make it through the intersection. “Squeezing the lemon” is never a wise decision behind the wheel.
- if you see a truck driver run a red light, report it!
Of course, individuals aren’t the only ones responsible for protection against a semi-truck that runs a red light. Law enforcement must stand firm on traffic laws and enforce them when they see truck drivers pushing the limit or actively running a light. We believe red-light cameras should be installed at major intersections to deter drivers from ignoring red-light laws. Because four of the top 10 counties for intersection deaths were in Florida, this is an important topic to tackle. Protecting yourself from these deadly intersections is crucial.
Who should I call if I’m struck when a semi-truck runs a red light?
After getting the emergency help you need, your first call should be Brooks Law Group. We are one of Tampa Bay’s leading truck accident law firms, representing victims of commercial vehicle accidents. We stand for individuals and families, fighting for the justice they deserve, and the compensation they need to move forward after their accidents.
With offices conveniently located in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Tampa, and Auburndale, we’re proud to serve communities throughout Central Florida. When you need legal help fast and don’t know where to turn, all you have to do is call our number! We come to you. Our team can meet at your home, in the hospital, or even at work, so you get the legal assistance you deserve without delay.
Don’t try to navigate the confusion of a truck accident on your own. Call the truck accident experts at Brooks Law Group. When accidents happen you can always Look to Brooks!
