"Reconsidering the Right-On-Red Policy: Is It Time for a Ban?"

The author recounts a personal experience of almost being hit by a car while legally crossing the street during a right turn on red. With pedestrian and cyclist deaths at a 40-year high, the author argues for a ban on right turns on red lights, at least in areas where pedestrians are likely to be present. The author highlights that right-on-red was only legalized in the US during the oil crisis, and studies have shown a significant increase in pedestrian and cyclist accidents since then. Several cities have already implemented bans on right-on-red, and studies have shown that it has minor impacts on traffic congestion while making intersections safer.