"In the Ministry of Internal Security and the police, we must locate the red junctions with the most casualties and install life-saving cameras in them", This is what attorney Yaniv Yaakov, CEO of the Or Yerok association, says.
About a year ago, in August 2022, the actor Niro Levy was injured in a car accident, when the driver of a private car allegedly crossed an intersection with a red light and hit Levy while he was riding his motorcycle.
How common is the phenomenon of crossing a red light intersection?
A new survey conducted by the "Green Light" association through the "Mind Pool" research institute shows that crossing a red light intersection is a common phenomenon among drivers in Israel and in Haifa in particular.
90% of the public claimed to have seen at least once a driver crossing a red-light intersection in the past year, according to a new survey (July 2023) conducted by the Or Yerok association through the "Mind Pool" research institute in order to gauge the extent of the dangerous phenomenon in which drivers cross a red-light intersection. In addition, 25% claimed to have seen four or more drivers cross an intersection with a red light.
Attorney Yaniv Yaakov, CEO of the Green Or Association:
"Crossing an intersection at a red light has become a scourge, a daily matter at almost every signalized intersection. Most drivers want to gain another minute or two and enter an intersection with a full red light, thereby endangering themselves and other road users. Although this is a widespread phenomenon that claims the lives of close to 30 people a year and thousands more are injured, it is very easy and simple to eradicate it. Placing prominent and controlled cameras at intersections has been scientifically proven as a factor that significantly reduces traffic accidents at the intersection as well as at the adjacent intersections in the area. A driver who knew he was entering an intersection being filmed and would be severely punished would not be so quick to risk his life of all of us. The Ministry of Internal Security and the police must locate the red junctions with the most casualties and install life-saving cameras in them."
86% of the residents of Haifa and the surrounding area have seen a driver cross a red light
86% of the residents of the Haifa region and the north testified that they saw a driver cross an intersection at a red light at least once in the past year - 20% claim to have witnessed the phenomenon four or more times. 16% of drivers testified that they themselves drove a red light at least once in the last year.
"Stealing" the traffic light
The main reason for this, according to 78% of the respondents in the Haifa and North region, is that drivers pay attention to the traffic light but still try to make it through the green light before it changes to red and think that they will make it in time and actually "steal the traffic light". 16% claim that the main reason is the lack of attention of drivers who cross the intersection on red and do not notice the traffic light or the red light. 6% answered that the reason is different or that they don't know.
Daunting cameras
When asked whether cameras placed at intersections would deter drivers from crossing a red-light intersection, most residents of the Haifa and North region (77%) responded that placing cameras would deter drivers from crossing a red light. 15% claimed that cameras at intersections will not deter drivers from crossing a red light intersection. 8% answered that they do not know.
Vehicle confiscation and license revocation
The survey also revealed that 69% of the residents of Haifa and the north believe that impounding the vehicle for thirty days or revoking the license of those caught crossing a red light intersection will lead to the eradication of this dangerous phenomenon. 18% believe that confiscating the vehicle or revoking the driver's license for those caught crossing a red light intersection will not lead to the eradication of the phenomenon and 13% replied that they do not know.
Thousands of accidents due to disobeying the traffic lights
2,898 drivers were involved in fatal traffic accidents in 2021 after disobeying a traffic light. According to the CBS data, 27 drivers were involved in fatal traffic accidents (at least one fatality), 283 drivers were involved in serious traffic accidents after disobeying the traffic lights and 2,588 drivers were involved in minor traffic accidents after disobeying the traffic lights.
The importance of information and raising awareness
One out of every three drivers involved in fatal accidents due to disobeying the traffic lights - from Arab society
The citizens from the Arab society make up about 21% of the total population, but in 33% of all the fatal traffic accidents that occurred in 2021 due to disobeying the traffic lights, drivers from the Arab society were involved (nine drivers), a figure that illustrates the importance of increasing information and awareness as well as strengthening enforcement the police as a deterrent among Arab society.
The study was carried out at the end of July 2023 as an internet survey using a permanent panel with many participants among 524 Jewish and Arab respondents aged 18 and over, who constitute a representative sample of the population in Israel.
- Source: survey by the association 'Or Yerok' through the research institute 'Mind pool'.
From my experiences, the absolute majority of those who cross a red light belong to a certain sector...
This phenomenon is common to all sectors and especially retirees with luxury cars for whom stopping at a pedestrian crossing is a lack of respect and not continuing to drive when there is a red light - but their road because they bought a big car?!