We all know the reasons behind traffic laws in California. Traffic lights, stop signs, speed limits and other rules exist to manage traffic flow and keep our roads safe. When people stop following traffic laws, chaos can occur. Worse than chaos, however, is the fact that people can get seriously injured or even killed. This is exactly what happened in a recent fatal crash in Santa Ana.
According to Orange County police, the crash occurred after one vehicle ran a red light and smashed into another car that was in the intersection. A 78-year-old passenger in the car that ran the red light was killed immediately. Four other people suffered injuries in the Tuesday morning auto accident.
Officials said that two other passengers were in critical condition after the collision. All four were transported to a hospital for treatment.
This tragic accident occurred solely because one person decided they were in too much of a hurry to stop for a red light. We all know what it is like to feel rushed or under stress to get somewhere or get something done. We live in a culture where everyone is always in a hurry. It is important, however, to think carefully about what the potential consequences of your actions could be.
Is it worth it to try to make the light when you could cause a serious accident like this one? Is it worth it to injure yourself or others to get somewhere three minutes faster? The answer to these questions should always be no. Hopefully Conejo Valley residents will ask themselves these questions as they are out driving. No more people should have to die or suffer injuries because we can’t look past our own lives.
Source: CBS Los Angeles, “1 Dead, 4 Injured In Santa Ana 2-Car Crash,” Sept. 17, 2013
