The Controversy of Right-on-Red: A Deep Dive into the Road Rule Under Scrutiny

The Origins of Right-on-Red

The concept of right-on-red, once limited to California and a few western states, has now become a common driving practice across the United States. This rule, allowing drivers to make right turns at red lights, gained momentum in the 1970s as a response to the Arab oil embargo and oil rationing. It was introduced as a gas-saving measure, aimed at reducing idling at red lights.

In this Dec. 23, 1973, file photo, cars line up in two directions at a gas station in New York City. Right-on-red was a gas-savings tool during the 1970s oil crisis.

Congress played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of right-on-red laws by tying states' eligibility for federal energy assistance to allowing right-on-red 'to the maximum extent practicable consistent with safety.' By the end of the 1970s, nearly every state in the country had embraced this driving practice, with the exception of New York City and a few other municipalities.

The Safety Concerns

Despite its widespread adoption, right-on-red is now facing increasing scrutiny and criticism, particularly from major cities. Cities like Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, Raleigh, and Washington D.C. have proposed or passed laws to ban right-on-red in certain areas, citing concerns about pedestrian safety and the high number of pedestrian fatalities. Researchers and experts have pointed out that right turns on red introduce additional movements into intersections, leading to an increased risk of collisions involving pedestrians, bikers, and other vehicles.

A pedestrian stops at a corner in Denver in 2022. Denver and other cities are considering banning right-on-red.

According to a city-commissioned survey in Indianapolis, a significant percentage of car crashes involving pedestrians occurred because drivers failed to yield to people in all intersections. Furthermore, data from San Francisco revealed that turn-on-red crashes accounted for a disproportionate number of pedestrian or bicycle-related crashes. The nationwide pedestrian fatality data from 2022 also indicated a concerning increase in pedestrian fatalities, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety measures at intersections.

The Debate on Banning Right-on-Red

The debate on banning right-on-red has sparked contentious discussions among lawmakers, driver advocacy groups, and city officials. While proponents of the ban argue that it is a crucial step towards prioritizing pedestrian safety and creating more walkable and bike-friendly cities, opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on traffic flow and congestion. Additionally, there are fears that the ban could lead to over-policing and ticketing of minority drivers, as well as opposition from those who view right-on-red as a key element of efficient traffic movement.

Cities want to make downtowns safer for pedestrians and bikers.

Efforts to ban right-on-red have faced pushback, with some lawmakers expressing worries about increased traffic stops, over-policing, and potential negative effects on tourism and city events. The ongoing debate reflects the complex intersection of road safety, urban mobility, and the diverse perspectives of stakeholders involved in shaping driving regulations and city policies.