Motorcyclists and Bicyclists Face Special Dangers of Red Light Runner Crashes
Red light running is a major cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in this country. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), over 132,000 people were victims of red light running (“RLR”) accidents in 2017 and a great many of those who died as a result of their red light running crash injuries were either pedestrians or bicyclists.
Motorcyclists and Bicyclists: Stuck When Traffic Signal Fails to Trigger
One of the complications of serious and deadly intersection accidents is the need for the traffic signal light to trigger its need to change. Many roadways in Indiana and Illinois have traffic lights that simply do not recognize anything other than a large car, truck, or minivan. These traffic signals do not detect motorcycles or bikes.
Meanwhile, those riding on bicycles and motorcycles are legally required to obey the state traffic laws established for all motor vehicles. When traffic signals fail to detect their presence at the intersection, the rider is in a dangerous position.
Red Light Cameras and Dead Red Laws
Attempts to protect intersections against the danger of a RLR crash have focused upon two solutions: the controversial installation of “red light cameras” and the passage of “dead red” laws.
Red Light Cameras
The installation of computer technology at intersections which can automatically photograph anyone who fails to obey traffic laws, like running a red light, has been a growing trend in this country for many years. Safety advocates argue that red light runners will be less likely to run a traffic light if they are aware of automated red light camera enforcement.
Not everyone agrees. There have been constitutional challenges to their use as “Big Brother” types of law enforcement, which we have discussed before. For details, read: “Red-Light Cameras and Rear-End Crashes: Chicago Debate,” and “More and More Traffic Cameras in Indiana and Illinois: Does It Mean More Car Accidents?”
Dead Red Laws
Both Indiana and Illinois have “dead red” laws. Here, those riding motorcycles and bicycles are allowed special exemptions regarding traffic intersection laws when they find themselves stuck at a traffic light that is failing to detect their presence in the roadway.
Specifically, in both Illinois (other than Chicago) and Indiana, anyone on a bicycle or motorcycle can run the red light after it has not changed for two minutes (at a minimum) and they treat the traffic signal as if it were a stop sign.
Indiana Dead Red Law
Since 2014, Indiana has had a “Dead Red” law for motorcycles and bicycles. Indiana Code Title 9, Motor Vehicles, § 9-21-3-7(D) provides:
…If the operator of a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or bicycle approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal, the operator may proceed through the intersection on a steady red signal only if the operator:
(i) comes to a complete stop at the intersection for at least one hundred twenty (120) seconds; and
(ii) exercises due caution as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic control signal as a stop sign, and determines that it is safe to proceed.
Illinois Dead Red Law
The State of Illinois has also enacted a “dead red” law for motorcycles and bicycles. However, it does not apply in urban areas with over 2,000,000 residents (like Chicago). The statute provides (625 ILCS 11-208.6 and 11-306):
In municipalities with less than 2,000,000 inhabitants, after stopping as required by paragraph 1 or 2 of this subsection, the driver of a motorcycle or bicycle, facing a steady red signal which fails to change to a green signal within a reasonable period of time because of a signal malfunction or because the signal has failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle or bicycle due to the vehicle’s size or weight, shall have the right to proceed, after yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic facing a green signal, subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign as required by Section 11-1204 of this Code.
Another Option: Roundabouts or Traffic Circles
The Indiana Department of Transportation is also considering increasing the use of “roundabouts” (sometimes referred to as “traffic circles) for Hoosier safety. Here, the intersection is altered so there is no traffic signal.
Instead, a circle-shaped junction is created where traffic can move without traffic lights, in one direction, circling around a concrete island in the roundabout-intersection’s middle. Roundabouts, by definition, remove the risk of a red light running crash.
In 2019, Indiana DOT reported there were over 256 roundabouts in use throughout the State of Indiana with more being planned.
Roundabouts are also becoming more commonplace in Illinois. For instance, traffic circles are an accepted part of the roadways of Lake County, Illinois.
Victim of Red Light Runner: Justice after a Red Light Running Accident
Many drivers fear being hit by someone running a red light and being seriously injured or killed in a RLR intersection crash. The risk is exceptionally high for those who are riding a bicycle or operating a motorcycle on a roadway in either Indiana or Illinois.
Victims may approach and proceed through an intersection after checking to the left and right, and in full conformity with the traffic laws, enter an intersection where someone recklessly runs the red light and collides with their vehicle, motorcycle, or bike.
Replacing intersections with roundabouts; installing red light cameras; and enacting dead red laws all work to try and make our roadway intersections safer for everyone. Nevertheless, red light runners will continue to cause horrific crashes with tragic consequences.
Red light running crashes, particularly at higher speeds, can result in life-altering injuries or even death. The laws of Indiana and Illinois provide avenues for justice to these accident victims, as well as their loved ones.
Intersections bring special dangers to motorists and especially to motorcyclists and bicyclists in Indiana and Illinois. Please be careful out there!
