Why no right turn on red? (cost, most dangerous, legally)

[Beachbum808]

I have recently noticed several intersections that suddenly have "No Right Turn on Red" signs, where previously it was routine, and even marked that such turn WAS allowed.


Ala Moana Blvd onto Kalakaua; Hobron onto Ala Moana are two that I travel multiple times per week.


Very annoying... Maybe if we had better (or any?) Driver Training, people would be more likely to properly make these turns (from the closest lane TO the closest lane, NOT waiting for three or four clear lanes to turn wide) or even to (GASP!) Merge properly (by NOT pulling all the way to the traffic lane and stopping)!

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by Beachbum808

Ala Moana Blvd onto Kalakaua; Hobron onto Ala Moana are two that I travel multiple times per week.

This must be very recent as in this week.

Between a lot of pedestrians and speeding cars with a combo of tourists I'm not surprised.

Given the amount of red light running I see in Hawaii - most will probably take the new signs as suggestions.

[ScottStielow]

Those streets are the most traveled, and congested streets in the city. I guess the city figured to make the changes and make no-turn on red signs.

[Dthraco]

Those intersections are really bad when it comes to cars harassing pedestrians crossing. Yes, people go when there are 2 seconds left on the count-down, but that can’t really be solved. Making people get used to not going eliminates that confrontation all together. And avoiding confrontation is quite engrained in the local culture.

[hotzcatz]

Those are several of the most dangerous intersections on the island. More accidents in that area than almost anywhere else.

[alloo66]

Probably because drivers /pedestrian accidents have occurred at those intersections. Sometimes drivers don't understand that pedestrians and cycles are road users too.

[Beachbum808]

There have been many additional "No Right Turn on Red" signs added to intersections, with several in/around Waikiki also allowing pedestrian crossing in all directions/diagonal at once. Huge time waster for drivers, especially on certain routes.

[pj737]

Originally Posted by Beachbum808

There have been many additional "No Right Turn on Red" signs added to intersections, with several in/around Waikiki also allowing pedestrian crossing in all directions/diagonal at once. Huge time waster for drivers, especially on certain routes.

How many times have you been at an intersection where people are crossing in the same direction of traffic yet there are no vehicles passing through? This happens all the time. The point of an all-way crosswalk is to improve the flow of both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. They've been using them on Kalakaua for many months and it has actually improved traffic flow on Kalakaua. Hopefully there aren't enough people like you complaining about this because I think it's a great idea. It's also far safer for pedestrians which sadly many drivers don't care about because they're too impatient to wait an extra 30 seconds in their commute.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by pj737

The point of an all-way crosswalk is to improve the flow of both vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic.

I don't mind all-way crosswalks but the proliferation of no turn on red signs has gotten out of hand and definitely has impacted traffic. And speaking of out of hand - the speed bumps on the island is way out of control - on the windward side they are even installing them where no crosswalk exists - if speed is an issue, give out tickets.

[pj737]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

I don't mind all-way crosswalks but the proliferation of no turn on red signs has gotten out of hand and definitely has impacted traffic. And speaking of out of hand - the speed bumps on the island is way out of control - on the windward side they are even installing them where no crosswalk exists - if speed is an issue, give out tickets.

I'm assuming all-way intersections require no right on red because cars will attempt to turn while people are crossing and people aren't wired to detect the presence of oncoming people from all angles. It would be unsafe for people crossing if cars could legally drive into an active all-way crosswalk. If anything, intersections should incorporate dedicated green right arrow signals to signal drivers it's safe to turn right without looking for pedestrians since they are not allowed to cross the street at all when the light is green (for all-way pedestrian crossings). In the absence of all-way crossings, cars even with a green light need to yield to pedestrians when turning right. Incorporating dedicated green arrow signals could help move traffic along faster when right turn drivers have the right of way.

As for the speed bumps, you can blame that on the general public. The only cost effective way to curb speeding is to either put speed bumps everywhere or use speed cameras. Our police force is severely understaffed and has no time to sufficiently cite drivers for speeding. The public was outraged with Van cams (I thought they were a GREAT idea) when they were first used. Generally speaking, the majority of the general public is selfish and will put their own time over public safety. So they'll be against speed enforcement of any kind that results in tickets. So speed bumps is what we get.