Cell phones are important in our daily life today more than ever in the fast-paced digitally connected world. From communication and navigation to entertainment and social media, these devices are constantly within arm’s reach even behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the convenience of mobile technology has come with a dangerous side effect: a surge in distracted driving. One of the most alarming outcomes of this trend is the increasing number of red-light running incidents caused by drivers distracted by their phones.
This blog post explores how cell phone use contributes to red-light running, the risks it poses, and what can be done to reduce this dangerous behavior.
THE ALARMING RISE OF RED-LIGHT RUNNING
Running red lights has become a disturbingly common traffic violation across the United States. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), over 900 people were killed and more than 140,000 injured in crashes involving red-light running in a single recent year. The red-light runners themselves did not, in most of the cases, form the majority of the victims; instead it was the passengers, pedestrians and other drivers who had the right of way.
In high-traffic areas like South Florida, this issue is even more pronounced. Intersection collisions are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the angle and force of the impact.
CELL PHONES: A MAJOR CULPRIT IN DISTRACTED DRIVING
Distracted driving encompasses any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. While distractions can range from eating to adjusting the radio, cell phone use particularly texting and social media browsing is by far the most hazardous.
There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual – Not focusing on the road
- Manual – Removing your hands off the wheel to do something else
- Cognitive – Taking your mind off driving
Using a cell phone combines all three. When a driver checks a message or scrolls through social media, their eyes, hands, and attention are diverted from what’s happening around them. In the few seconds it takes to read a text, a vehicle moving at 45 mph can travel the length of a football field, plenty of distance to miss a changing light and blow through an intersection.
THE LINK BETWEEN CELL PHONES AND RED-LIGHT VIOLATIONS
Red-light running is often seen as a result of impatience or aggressive driving, but distracted driving is an increasingly prominent cause. Many red-light violations occur simply because the driver wasn’t paying attention and failed to see the traffic signal change.
Here’s how it typically happens:
- A driver is approaching an intersection while texting or glancing at their phone.
- The light changes color to yellow then red.
- Because the driver is distracted, they don’t register the change in time to stop safely.
- By the time they realize it, they’re already entering the intersection—often at full speed.
In other cases, a distracted driver may hesitate when the light turns green, then accelerate suddenly to “catch up” without noticing the light cycle has already shifted again. These moments of confusion and delay create extremely hazardous situations, especially for cross traffic.
REAL-LIFE CONSEQUENCES
The consequences of red-light running while distracted can be devastating:
- Severe injuries: T-bone or side-impact collisions are common in red-light crashes and often lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries.
- Legal penalties: Running a red light can lead to fines, license points, and even criminal charges if the violation causes serious injury or death.
- Civil liability: Drivers who cause accidents due to cell phone use can be held financially responsible through personal injury lawsuits. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for victims.
LAWS AND ENFORCEMENT ARE CATCHING UP
Recognizing the dangers of distracted driving, many states including Florida have enacted laws to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. In Florida, texting and driving is illegal, handheld cell phone use is prohibited in school zones, and construction zones.
In addition, red-light cameras have become increasingly common in urban areas to automatically detect and ticket violators. While controversial to some, these cameras have been shown to reduce the number of red-light running crashes, particularly when combined with public awareness campaigns.
Still, enforcement alone cannot fully solve the problem. Cultural attitudes around driving and phone use need to change.
WHAT CAN DRIVERS DO?
Preventing red-light running starts with personal responsibility. Here are steps every driver can take to avoid distracted driving:
- Put the phone away: Put the phone into Do Not Disturb mode or put it into the glove box when on the road.
- Use hands-free options wisely: Even hands-free calls can be distracting. Save conversations for when you’re not behind the wheel.
- Stay alert at intersections: Slow down as you approach and be prepared to stop. Always anticipate that the light could change.
- Educate others: Talk to family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving and lead by example.
- Pull over if necessary: When you have to send an answer to a message or check the directions on the GPS, then you can stop in the safe side of the road.
CONCLUSION
Cell phone use has become a leading cause of red-light running, contributing to an epidemic of preventable accidents on our roads. While laws and enforcement are helping, real change begins with each individual driver making safer choices. Putting the phone down can mean the difference between life and death—not only for you but for everyone sharing the road.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver who ran a red light, you may have legal options. Speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t let someone else’s carelessness go unanswered—take action to protect your future and hold negligent drivers accountable.