Most New York residents are familiar with NYC prohibiting right turns at red lights. Unfortunately, many other states don’t follow this rule. However, it appears that could soon be changing with rumors of a proposed ban on turning right while a stoplight is red.
Large cities proposing right on red bans
Recently, the City Council of Washington D.C. approved banning allowing drivers to turn right at red lights. This ban will officially go into effect in 2025. In Chicago, Illinois, another one of the nation’s busiest cities, the mayor of New Chicago hasn’t proposed a complete ban on this controversial driving rule. However, he has proposed restricting the allowance of right-on-red turns.
Those who support this driving-related change cite that it could lower or prevent pedestrian deaths and vehicle accidents.
Potential pushback from companies
Many drivers, especially those who recall making unsafe turns right turns at red lights, can understand why states and cities are considering banning this driving “rule.” However, critics of this movement to ban drivers from turning right at red lights isn’t a smart move and won’t prevent motor vehicle accidents.
One critic alleged that this movement was a way to “make driving miserable,” ensuring fewer people drive their vehicles. Those who criticize this rule also expect companies such as Amazon, UPS and others to push back this rule, citing much slower transportation and delivery times. There is also a concern that not allowing vehicles to turn right at red lights could negatively affect the efficiency of public transportation.
A potential ban on drivers turning right at red lights is drawing strong opinions from those who support or oppose this purported rule change. Some of the nation’s most populated cities are looking deeper into the data behind right-on-red-related crashes, injuries and deaths.