The laws of traffic safety are legislated and enforced in order to protect human life and property. Judaism teaches that the law of the land must be kept.
However, this set of rules was made with a certain qualification. For example, if the local police and traffic authorities make it known that one should drive with flow of traffic even if it means driving 5 mph above the posted speed limit, one should do so since this is in the interest of safety and is the request of the powers that be.
However, crossing at a red light when no other cars are around, is not okay since this is an act that the law forbids. The law does not make a provision for coming to a red light, seeing that no one is around, and allowing the driver to run the light. Or a pedestrian either. One can ask their local congressman or policeman for further clarification if the reason for this is not clear.
I assume there are many reasons, such as the possibility of a speeding vehicle coming around the corner or out of the sun’s glare and not being seen in time. In addition, other people — such as children — can learn from your actions on the road while driving or crossing the street and therefore disobeying the laws could bring others into danger.
On a lighter note, I have a friend who is meticulous about obeying all traffic laws. For example, when he drives down the highway and passes the sign that says "State Police," he immediately states "Police."
