For many drivers, the light turning green ahead of them simply signifies that they can proceed through the intersection without worry. Drivers may not even bother to look both ways. They know that they have the right of way, so they just keep their eyes forward the entire time.
Technically speaking, these drivers are correct that they do have the right of way, but it is important to remember that thousands of people run red lights every year. These accidents lead to numerous injuries, and some reports even indicate that more than 1,000 people lose their lives annually in these crashes. As such, it is a good idea to look for cross traffic, even when the light is green.
Being a defensive driver
The thing to remember is that the light itself does not stop anyone from driving through the intersection. A red light tells drivers what to do, but driving through the intersection without checking puts full trust in those drivers not to make any mistakes.
Unfortunately, the drivers around you on the road make mistakes constantly. Being a defensive driver means trying to anticipate those mistakes and take proactive steps to avoid a crash. Just waiting an extra second could be a life-saving decision. You cannot prevent other drivers from making critical errors, but you can take steps to ensure that you are out of their way when they do.
That said, even defensive driving does not guarantee you will not be involved in a crash. If you are, you have a right to financial compensation and you need to know what legal steps to take.