At the end of 2005, 3,432 family members and friends died in traffic accidents in Florida, unfortunately setting a new record. Traffic deaths have steadily increased in this state throughout the past 5 years, rising from 2,920 in 1999, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To blame are factors including the rising number of drivers and an increase in aggressive driving.

Of the 3,432 traffic-related fatalities in Florida in 2005, red light running was a noted contributing factor in the death of 96 people and the injury of 6,300 people that year. An additional 1,399 incidents resulted in property damage alone. Driving at excessive speeds, which is often a prelude to red light running, contributed to 381 fatalities and 6,835 injuries. These are both aggressive driving behaviors that continue to increase, making our roadways less safe for everyone on them. 36% of people recently surveyed Farmers Insurance, admitted to running red lights within the last year.

Red light running is the leading cause of urban crashes in the United States, representing 22% of the total number of crashes. On average, red light running costs U.S. citizens $7 billion annually. The most recent numbers for the state of Florida estimated a $375 million economic impact related to red light running.

Few locations in Florida have escaped this rising-fatality trend. In fact, Florida ranks in the top 10 (#7) with a red light running fatality rate of 3.1 (per 100,000 people).

You tell me...are you at risk?

Current Fines: By state law, tickets for running a red light, which by state law start at $125, grow to near $180.50 (Martin County), $183.50 (St. Lucie County). Violators also receive 3 points toward the suspension of a license, 4 points if the moving violation includes a crash. (Source: Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Dept. of Transportation)