Thos article literally points out how drivers are not aware of the pedestrians routinely put at risk by this insane rule and links to studies supporting their point.
It’s a shame you find it so torturous to wait a few seconds at a red light but that is absolutely not worth risking other people’s lives.
Its not an insane rule, but an established norm in most areas. What has been for 50 years hasn’t suddenly become dangerous.
What has changed in my county is relaxed situational awareness, false security, and avoidance in basic nonverbal communication such as simple eye contact.
People complain my city isn’t walkable friendly, but I have a 3 mile exercise loop I do weekly for 4 years and never, never had a problem. Just be alert and smart. Eye contact, visibility, follow rules… that’s middle school stuff.
Also, the “few seconds” argument is long in the tooth as a recent “calming” measure removed a right lane and traffic now backs up 3 blocks. I waited 3 light cycles to get through an intersection. I don’t buy that “few seconds” fluff after that nonsence.
Who knew letting cars OUT of traffic efficiently REDUCES congestion?!
Crowd gasps
“That’s how we’ve always done it” is always about the worst argument you could ever make. It’s a well-established rule in the US and pretty much exclusively the US because the rest of us aren’t insane enough to implement a rule like that.
I’m pointing out that the accident data doesnt corelate with the implementation of the rules. There being a change now indicates something else is at play. Then I gave my opinion of what could cause it based on real world experiences.
There are real-world benefits to right on red and it can be done safely.
Its true “Because that’s how we’ve always done it” is not a strong argument of its self, but let me submit: changing the rules makes everybody student drivers again.
Now that puts a shiver down my spine.
What has been for 50 years hasn’t suddenly become dangerous
True, it’s been pretty constant in its high level of danger for at least 50 years. Only now are we starting to think it might be unacceptable.
Everyone should be alert and smart, but mistakes are ultimately unavoidable. We should design the system to reduce the chances of a mistake having fatal consequences.
Lololol no it hasn’t. It’s a very rare occurrence. You people are just looking for a fight. This is a waste of political capital and could be better spent on infrastructure.
Nah, it’s rare. https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/outreach/traftech/1995/tt086.htm
