Recent discussions surrounding the Right Turn on Red (RTOR) rule in Alaska, particularly in Anchorage, have sparked significant debate. As of January 30, 2025, the Anchorage Assembly has been considering an ordinance that would prohibit right turns on red lights in a designated area of downtown Anchorage, which has implications for both traffic safety and pedestrian rights.
Current Legal Framework
In Alaska, as in most parts of the United States, drivers are generally allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless otherwise indicated by signage. This practice has been legal since the federal government mandated it in the 1980s as part of energy conservation efforts. The law states that vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal may enter the intersection to turn right unless a traffic control device prohibits it or a steady red arrow is displayed.
Proposed Changes in Anchorage
The proposed ordinance by Assemblyman Daniel Volland aims to make it illegal to turn right on red in downtown Anchorage, specifically between 3rd and 9th Avenues and Gambell and L Streets. Volland argues that this change is necessary for pedestrian safety. He points out that motorists often focus on oncoming traffic from their left and may overlook pedestrians crossing on their right, increasing the risk of accidents.
Arguments For and Against
Proponents of the ban emphasize the need for safer streets in urban areas where pedestrian traffic is high. They argue that eliminating right turns on red could reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, making downtown more walkable and inviting for non-motorized users.Conversely, opponents of the ordinance argue that there has been no significant data indicating that right turns on red have caused pedestrian accidents in downtown Anchorage over the past three decades. Assembly Chair Chris Constant noted that while pedestrian fatalities have occurred recently, they were not linked to right turns on red. He described the proposed ban as “a solution looking for a problem,” suggesting that existing data does not support the need for such a restriction.
Broader Context
The discussion in Anchorage reflects a growing trend among U.S. cities reevaluating their traffic laws to enhance pedestrian safety. Cities like New York and Washington D.C. have already implemented bans on right turns on red due to similar concerns about pedestrian safety. The Anchorage Assembly’s deliberation illustrates how local governments are grappling with balancing vehicle flow and pedestrian safety.
Conclusion
As of now, Alaska maintains its status as a right-on-red state, but the ongoing discussions in Anchorage could lead to significant changes in how traffic laws are applied in urban settings. The outcome of this proposed ordinance will likely influence not only local traffic regulations but also set a precedent for other cities contemplating similar measures aimed at improving pedestrian safety. The situation remains dynamic as stakeholders continue to weigh the implications of such changes on community safety and mobility.
Source
[1] https://mustreadalaska.com/assembly-made-jaywalking-legal-in-october-and-now-may-make-right-on-red-in-downtown-anchorage-illegal/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[3] https://alaskapublic.org/news/2024-02-07/anchorage-assembly-proposal-would-ban-right-on-red-turns-in-much-of-downtown
[4] https://themotherinlaw.net/turning-right-on-red-the-why-and-how/
