Banning Red Light Turns

What is happening? Washington D.C. is considering banning right turns on red. This warms my heart. Turning right on red is nerve wracking- is there a pedestrian coming? Is there a scooter on the sidewalk that’s going to barrel through the intersection? It is impossible to see around the construction zone at 10th and Guadalupe, how many people will honk at me because I haven’t turned right on red.

Why does this matter? Turning right on red is dangerous. New York City banned rights on red in 1937. D.C. would become the 2nd major city to do it. Studies show not turning right on red reduces vehicle-pedestrian accidents by 92%. Opponents say it will delay city buses, increase fuel consumption and result in more air pollution.

Route Fifty | A Major City Moves to Ban Right Turns on Red