In Everett, right turns on red go under the microscope

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Research suggests limiting right turns on red saves lives. Seattle and other metro areas have begun banning the turns.

EVERETT — What if there was a world where you couldn’t turn right on red?

A push to end the common practice has gained steam across the country. Advocates argue it could reduce car crashes and make pedestrians safer.

In Everett, officials are looking at banning right-on-red turns at some intersections — or entirely.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/in-everett-right-turns-on-red-go-under-the-microscope/

[Bev54]

1. When I was in the province of Quebec in the 80's it was illegal to turn right

on a red light and I found it difficult to remember. Everytime I did it my friends (who lived there) would start yelling at me. I thought what are they yelling about, when at a red light they would keep inching out into the intersection until when the light turned green they were already well into the intersection and they didn't seem to respect pedestrians in a crosswalk ever, that seemed more dangerous. It has since changed there except I think in downtown Montreal. It will be hard for others visiting to remember the new rules.

[SWBTATTReg]

2. This is becoming more and more feasible, to look into turn right on red, allowing or not allowing.

Apparently, too many people are getting hurt, killed, etc. in accidents at such intersections. SMH. Is it a lack of attention that this is happening still, or what?

[RainCaster]

3. Here you can turn left on red under certain circumstances

If you're turning on to a one way street, there is no opposing traffic, and you have come to a full stop, it's legal unless specifically stated on signage. I learned this from a Seattle cop.

[Old Crank]

4. Same in CA

Normally that is less of a problem because of the low number of opportunities. It should probably go as well for similar reasons.

[Old Crank]

5. Safety is the reason

Not so much for motorists but pedestrians and cyclists.
First, drivers tend to stop in the intersection and not behind the limit line. This reduces the width of crosswalks and bike lanes.
Second, once stopped, drivers aren't paying attention to anything but the oncoming traffic. They tend to ignore pedestrian traffic coming from the right. Third, drivers start their turns as the light turns green and cana, and do hit pedestrians crossing on a now green signal.

Another issue is the placement of traffic signals. Most have the lights on the far side of the intersection. This means you can pull into the intersection and still see the light.

Where I live now, Germany, and this is largely the same all over Europe. There is no right on red unless posted. There is no incentive to pull into the intersection and block crosswalks and bike lanes since you can't turn anyway.

Traffic lights help enforce keeping drivers out of the intersections because they are located on the near side of the intersection. If you pull into the intersection you can't see the light. Plus, at least here in Munich, you will get your "fair share of abuse" from pedestrians blocked by your actions.

For those who aren't familiar, where does an intersection start in the U S?
It starts at the limit line. This is a line that comes before any crosswalk or bike lane. It can easily be 18 feet before the actual road crossing which cars use.