Right Turn on Red: Evaluating the Safety Debate and Potential Bans The practice of allowing drivers to make a right turn on red has long been a controversial issue in the United States. While almost all cities have embraced this practice for decades, a recent rise in accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists has prompted a reevaluation of the safety implications. In response, several cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco, have considered or implemented bans on right turn on red. A recent incident in Chicago highlights the potential dangers associated with this practice. Sophee Langerman was walking her bike across the crosswalk when a car turning right on red rolled through a red light and collided with her. Fortunately, Langerman escaped serious injury, but her bike required extensive repairs. This incident serves as another argument for ending the legal prerogative for drivers to make right turns on red. Advocates for banning right turn on red argue that it eliminates the driver’s discretion to determine when it is safe to turn. They believe that drivers are often too busy or distracted to make this judgment accurately, leading to accidents. Washington, D.C., has already approved a ban on right turn on red, set to take effect in 2025. Chicago’s new mayor, Brandon Johnson, has also expressed support for restricting right turns on red, although specifics have not been provided. However, opponents of these bans argue that they are based on a “fallacy.” Jay Beeber, executive director for policy at the National Motorists Association, believes that blanket bans on right turn on red will not necessarily make streets safer. His association conducted a study analyzing California crash data and found that right turns on red accounted for a small percentage of pedestrian and bicyclist deaths statewide. Beeber suggests that the real motivation behind these bans is to discourage driving and make it more difficult for motorists. Safety advocates counter Beeber’s argument by claiming that official crash reports often mislabel accidents, leading to an undercounting of the dangers associated with right turn on red. They argue that the United States is one of the few major countries that generally allow right turns on red and that it is time to reassess this policy. The debate over right turn on red bans is not limited to specific cities. Major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have also shown interest in exploring bans. However, critics argue that banning right turn on red would inconvenience motorists and potentially slow down commuter buses and deliveries. They also express concern that lower-income drivers, who cannot afford housing near public transit and rely on driving to work, would be disproportionately affected by penalties associated with right-on-red bans. When considering the potential impact of right turn on red bans, it is important to analyze existing research. Studies conducted in the past have shown mixed results, and much of the research is dated. However, both sides of the debate believe that this research is still relevant. Advocates for a ban argue that older studies do not account for the significant increase in vehicle size and lethality over the years. Ultimately, the decision to ban right turn on red is a complex one that requires careful consideration of the potential consequences. While safety advocates emphasize the need to prioritize the well-being of pedestrians and bicyclists, opponents argue that alternative strategies, such as road infrastructure improvements, may be more effective at reducing accidents. As cities across the United States grapple with this issue, it is crucial to find a balance that prioritizes safety without unduly burdening motorists.