Running Red Lights: It is the New Norm? (Orange, Merced: live in, law)

[mrlucero2002]

Is it just me, or are more and more people running red lights? Over the past few years, I’ve been observing and increasing number of people running red lights. It ranges from speeding through an intersection at the last minute (as the light turns from yellow to red) to flat out blowing through the red light.

Is this an Orange County / So Cal phenomenon or is it the norm in other states too? Has this always been the case, or have I been oblivious all this time and am just now noticing this?

In my opinion, running red lights is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, and repeat offenders should face the same stiff penalties as drunk drivers, because running red lights (like drunk driving) can kill other innocent people.

[sonarrat]

I'm in northern Cal, and I drive through a red-light camera in Millbrae, at Millbrae Ave & Rollins Rd, every day. And let me tell you - it keeps that intersection under control, but the next block over at El Camino Real you get just as much red-light running and gridlocking as ever. I rarely, if ever, see that law enforced. I suppose they prefer to leave the ticket revenue generation to the CHP, and the anvilheads who don't read the signs and blow through the camera light.

[Coldjensens]

When my father visited us here he would stop when a light turned yellow unless he was absolutely unable to do so. That is what you do where he lives. Here he was always hitting the brakes just as the people behind him were gunning it to get through the light before it changed. Lots of squealing tires and yelling. Luckily he never got rear ended but it was close sometimes. I expect the cameras will change that eventually.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Yeah I see it all the time. I think its a consequence of the increased traffic. If someone's already sat through 2 complete cycles, they're going to be pretty anxious to NOT have to sit through a 3rd if they're so close to making the light. It also seems like a ton of people just make up their own rules. People are constantly making left or U turns when the signs say not to. People go straight from a right turn lane. People make mid block U turns (or 3 point turns) across a double-double yellow line. I guess everyone's just too important and in too much of a hurry to follow the rules of the road.

[Mach50]

Anyone know what this is?



It is a generally accepted premise that a yellow light at a traffic intersection should last long enough that a car traveling at the posted speed can either:

1) Apply the brakes and comfortably and safely decelerate to a stop prior to reaching the front of the intersection,

or

2) Maintain the same speed and pass at least half-way through the intersection before the yellow light turns red.


If you think you will be crossing through the intersection during a red light, then do not do it, you might kill a small child or yourself.

Why people like to die while driving I will never know.

[mrlucero2002]

Apparently none of the rules of driving apply (or are enforced) in Orange County if you drive a Mercedes, BMW or equivalent high profile vehicle.
I wonder if we will start to see more tickets issued to help raise revenue this year since California is in a "Fiscal State of Emergency".

[Charles]

There are often many routes to get from A to B. The fastest, the least stressful, the cheapest, the safest, etc. I think about the safest way (least number of left hand turns for example) when planning a trip.

Cell phone use may have something to do with not stopping a red light.

[shiksa]

We live in Phoenix but visit OC about 4 to 5 times a year and I haven't noticed the "running of the red lights" being as bad as it is here. I Originally came here from WA state 7 years ago and you NEVER speed or run a red light there, (too many cops). When we got here to Phoenix we thought we were going to get killed in the very first month! Soooo....it's not just CA or OC, because it's worse here. By the way, I can't wait to move there, as I grew up in CA.

[mgs333]

i have never really noticed this issue. sure i see it once in a while but i don't see it as a problem.

[Mach50]

Originally Posted by shiksa

We live in Phoenix but visit OC about 4 to 5 times a year and I haven't noticed the "running of the red lights" being as bad as it is here. I Originally came here from WA state 7 years ago and you NEVER speed or run a red light there, (too many cops). When we got here to Phoenix we thought we were going to get killed in the very first month! Soooo....it's not just CA or OC, because it's worse here. By the way, I can't wait to move there, as I grew up in CA.

Phoenix is the worst I have ever seen, you literally have to count 1 - 2 - 3 before you can go on a green light due to people running the red.