Phoenix ranks second among cities nationwide for fatal car accidents caused by drivers running red lights, a startling statistic since such accidents can be easily prevented, according to attorney Kyle A. Israel, founding attorney at Phoenix-based law firm Israel & Gerity, PLLC.

“There’s absolutely no reason why such accidents should be happening in Phoenix or anywhere else for that matter,” Israel said. “All drivers need to do is stop at a red light and thousands of lives could be saved every single year. That’s why we’re so concerned and alarmed by such statistics. Phoenix drivers need to know that their actions have consequences. If they run a red light, they could die or kill another person. It’s that simple.”

The National Coalition for Safer Roads compiled the list of the most dangerous cities for fatal red-light car accidents. The list was based on statistics compiled for such accidents between 2004 and 2014, according to the Arizona Daily Star’s website. (Tucson.com, “Road Runner: Red-light running an epidemic, group says,” Aug. 9, 2015)

The organization that conducted the study also created an interactive map showing where the most deaths occurred nationwide caused by drivers running red lights.

Between 2004 and 2014, a total of 127 people in Phoenix died in motor vehicle accidents caused by someone running a red light. Tucson also made the Top 10 nationwide during the same time period. Specifically, 61 people died in Tucson, making the city the 9th most dangerous place for fatal red-light car accidents. Nationwide, 7,794 people died during that same time period due to drivers running red lights, the Arizona Daily Star reported.

Phoenix car accident attorney Kyle A. Israel said he hopes studies like this one serve as a wake-up call for drivers in Phoenix and across the country. “If more people knew just how dangerous it is to run a red light, I honestly believe more people would stop and not put themselves or others at risk,” Israel said. “Our law firm has seen far too often the consequences of such reckless behavior. We work with injury victims and their families after serious and fatal car accidents. That’s why it’s critical that drivers in Arizona and across the country do more to put a stop to red-light running car accidents.”