LONGVIEW, Texas — In the summer months, East Texas police officers notice more people running red lights.
On the lighter end of consequences, the red light runner could get a hefty fine beginning at $284 in Longview.
On the heavier end, someone can get seriously hurt or worse.
Hazel Brooks stood in front of the intersection where she almost lost her life.
"I almost died," she choked. "I'm just thankful to be alive to be here and have a day to be with my family."
Brooks was on her way to work and waiting to cross the intersection of Marshall Ave. and Industrial Dr. The crash report says a silver Dodge Nitro ran the red light and crashed into Brooks’ red Chevy Silverado.
Brooks suffered a collapsed lung, multiple broken ribs, and deep bruising all over her body.
Cars running red lights is a growing problem in cities including Longview.
In May and June 2021, the Longview Police Department reported it issued 82 citations.
In May and June this year, it issued 408 which is 5x more.
Brandon Thornton, a public information officer for the department said there are officers that patrol and are primarily looking for speeders, red light runners, and reckless driving.
Longview police kickstarted their “pump the breaks” initiative to help curb red light runners.
Thornton said the program launched in May and is already proving successful.
Two of Brooks' kids and her husband have been hit by red light runners at the exact same intersection.
"Just slow down. Wait a couple extra seconds," she plead. "It's not worth someone else's life or your own.”
Brooks is thankful to still have her family in one piece and hopes red light running doesn’t cut anyone else’s time short.
Fines for running red lights begin at $284.