It might surprise you to learn this, but most countries don’t allow drivers to make a “right on red.”
The United States is somewhat unique in this regard – but that could be changing as more and more urban areas ban the maneuver.
Why do U.S. drivers have this unique privilege?
To understand why turning right on a red light is allowed, you have to look back to the fuel crisis of the 1970s when gasoline was being rationed and people were struggling. The government was looking for ways to keep people from wasting gas, and many felt that idling at a red light when it was clearly safe to turn was a waste.
Today, the overwhelming consensus is that letting people decide when it’s safe to plunge into the flow of traffic while going right at a red light is “an example of bad policy” – although not everybody agrees. Critics say that banning right turns at red lights is more than an inconvenience, but actually something that will slow down traffic, hurt public transportation efficiency and make deliveries harder, among other things.
However, there’s been an increasing focus on creating cities that are friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists. As urban planners increasingly prioritize walkability (or bike-ability) and safety concerns, right on red is gradually becoming a thing of the past.
Advocates for change say that drivers focused on turning right on red often divert their attention from oncoming traffic while they’re looking for a gap in the flow of vehicles – and they often fail to notice pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalks before they move, especially in complex intersections. That can lead to collisions and tragic results.
Until things change for the better, pedestrians and cyclists still need to be cautious – especially in areas that permit right turns at red lights. If you are injured in a collision with a driver who moved forward when they should have waited, it can help to find out more about your legal options.