"Pedestrian Safety Takes Priority as U.S. Cities Weigh Banning "Right on Red" Laws"

U.S. cities are considering banning "right on red" laws in response to a rise in pedestrian and bicyclist deaths. Washington, D.C. has already approved a ban that will take effect in 2025, while other cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver are also exploring similar measures. Advocates argue that banning right on red will improve safety, while opponents claim it will inconvenience motorists and slow down traffic. The U.S. is one of the few major countries that generally allows right turns on red, and the practice was initially implemented in the 1970s to address an energy crisis. However, critics argue that it is outdated and fails to consider the full consequences.