US Cities Debate Banning Right Turn on Red to Reduce Pedestrian Deaths

The debate over banning the right-on-red driving rule in the US has sparked intense sentiments on both sides. Safety advocates argue that the practice contributes to a rise in accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists, while opponents claim that blanket bans would not necessarily make streets safer. Some cities, including Washington, D.C., Ann Arbor, and San Francisco, have already implemented or considered right-on-red bans. Critics argue that such bans inconvenience motorists, slow down commuter buses and deliveries, and disproportionately penalize lower-income drivers. The debate highlights the need for evidence-based road infrastructure improvements to reduce accidents.