What is one of the main reasons for running a red light?

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant factor contributing to running red lights because it severely impairs a driver's judgment, reaction times, and overall ability to operate a vehicle safely. When individuals are under the influence, they may misjudge the timing of traffic lights, assume they can clear an intersection safely, or simply fail to recognize traffic signals altogether. This can lead to reckless behavior, such as deliberately ignoring a red light.

The other reasons provided, such as following GPS instructions or trying to beat the traffic light, may also lead to running a red light, but they are generally related to poor decision-making or distractions, rather than a fundamental impairment in cognitive and motor skills as seen with substance influence. The absence of vehicles around might suggest a lower immediate risk, but it fails to account for the overall violation of traffic laws and unsafe driving behavior regardless of surrounding traffic.