Right turns on red became legal at a large scale across the country in the 1970s, despite the threats the practice represents to pedestrians and people on bikes.
Angie Schmitt lays out the case for ending the right turn on a red light that's legal at almost every intersection in just about every community across the United States—except new York City.
Letting drivers turn on red can save gas, but there is a trade-off. Though recent studies are lacking, the body of research shows that allowing rights on red compromises safety for people who walk and bike.
Most of the article is dedicated to laying out the body of evidence (with studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) about the additional risk right turns on red lights bring to pedestrians and people on bikes.
Still, despite all this evidence, it's unlikely that traffic laws will be changing any time soon.
Read the full story: It’s Time for Cities to Rethink Right Turns on Red
Op-Ed: Prohibit Right Turns on Red Lights
A writer suggests an end for one of the many conveniences available to drivers: the right turn on a red light.
Why Right Turns on Red Are Bad for Traffic Safety
The practice creates dangerous conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and anyone crossing in front of turning vehicles.
Mulling the Idea of Ending Right Turns on Red Lights
San Francisco might follow the lead on New York City when it comes to right turns on red lights.
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Chicago voters approve permanent festival grounds, penalty for vacant property owners
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California appears to reject Prop. 45
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Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
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