Not all laws are meant to protect. Does income tax protect anyone? Does forbidding prostitution protect anyone? Does requiring motor vehicles to be registered protect anyone?

Bottom line, if you want equal rights on the road, follow the laws. Is it okay to do an "Idaho stop" when safe to do so? Sure. I'd be lying if I said I never went through a stop sign. But in an urban environment where you might not see a car coming in from that side street? I'm stopping at the red every time.