If vehicles are around *at all*, I wait at red lights, and stop at stop signs.

However, if no vehicle is to be seen within sight, I slow down, look both ways and continue through.

In Illinois, if you are waiting at a red light, you can continue through if clear. I won't do that if a car is behind me though, or a car is waiting to come from the opposite direction, since they'll trigger the light (that is, if they move up far enough!)

Pretty simple... just use common sense.