Is Your “Right on Red” Worth Someone Else’s Last Step?

Is it right, or should it be your right, to turn right at red lights in Maryland? 

Let’s look back. The U.S. legalized right turns on red to save fuel during the oil crisis in 1973. Since 1972, Maryland had allowed right turns on red but only when a sign permitted it. This flipped in 1978 when motorists across the State could turn right on red except when a sign prohibited it. Worth remembering is that all right turns first require a full stop.

This brings us to the present, when Montgomery County has modified the turn instructions in many city and town intersections, such as the downtown areas of Silver Spring and Bethesda. Proposed by Councilmember Evan Glass, the Safe Streets Act of 2023, or Bill 11-23, has enhanced our safety by not allowing right turns at red lights at what have been determined to be high risk crossings. Failure to wait for the green light can result in a $90 fine and a point on your driver’s license.

Montgomery County Says "Enough" 

Spurred by heavy rates of auto hits to pedestrians and cyclists – some 600 last year, the Bill aims to prevent accidents and save lives. Furthermore, benefits include savings from decreased accident rates, especially when you consider the costs of court fees, driver license points, and other legal expenses, insurance spikes, and automobile repair. Beyond tangible savings, there is satisfaction in contributing to the safety and well-being of the community at large. Councilmember Glass writes, “If we want to make our roads safer for everyone, we need to make our intersections safer.”

Not to ignore the downside of this change, it’s only fair to also consider the objections. Motorists may resent spending time, gas, and patience – yes, it takes moments of patience - to wait at red lights. They may worry about environmental impact as well.

To compare, there is the restriction to stay still for seconds while emitting micro-chemicals into the air. Fortunately, vehicles have become more climate friendly since the 70s. Are these restrictions worth the failure to take the opportunity to prevent the possibility of injury, disability, and death?

So, ask yourself about your priorities: save time or save lives?

Captain Jensen, the Director of the Montgomery County Traffic Operation Division, wrote, “While the legislation has only been in effect for two months, and the school year has just started, we believe this change will significantly increase safety. The purpose of the law is to eliminate a potential conflict between turning vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists who have the right of way. This is particularly critical in our high-traffic downtown and town center areas where pedestrian and bicycle activity is highest.”

Explaining the particulars of the law, Jensen writes, “Designated intersections in high-density downtown areas, including Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring, and Wheaton, as well as town centers in Germantown, Glenmont, Twinbrook, and White Flint, are marked with signs stating ‘No Right Turns on Red.’ Over 200 of these signs have been placed to clearly communicate the change to motorists.” The Montgomery Police Department, he writes, “Will continue to monitor the impact of the law and work to ensure a safer environment for everyone who uses our roadways."

What Is Your Goal When You Get Behind The Wheel?

Lastly, it’s worth considering your goals when you get behind the wheel. On the one hand, there is the purpose of each journey, such as errands, entertainment, or employment. However, the simultaneous but far more crucial goal is for the drive itself: to arrive at your destination without getting a ticket and without getting into a crash.

As stated by Councilmember Glass, “We all have to share the road and ensure that everyone is safe – pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers – everyone.”

• By Rhona Bosin