Throughout Nevada, it is generally legal for a vehicle to make a right turn at a red light. This practice was one of many changes made during the 1970s when the United States was in the midst of an energy crisis. However, critics of this rule say that it may cause a significant number of pedestrian injuries and fatalities each year.
The origins of turning right on red
It was thought that allowing vehicles to make right turns at red lights would minimize the amount of time cars spent idling on a road. Ultimately, the more time a car spends idling, the more fuel it will use without actually providing any benefit to the motorist. Fuel conservation was also the reason why speed limits on most highways was 55 miles per hour during the 20th century, but that guideline has largely been scrapped across the nation.
Consequences of turning right on red
According to one study, there were more than 7,500 pedestrian deaths associated with motor vehicle accidents in 2022. However, this takes into account all pedestrian deaths whether they occurred while a car was turning right or not. Other research has also found that pedestrians are at a higher risk of personal injury or death if they are struck by an SUV or a pickup truck as opposed to a traditional passenger vehicle. The increased risk was attributed to the greater force created at impact by larger and heavier trucks and SUVs.
If you are hurt in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation if the wreck was caused by a negligent motorist. You may use video footage, driver statements or other records as evidence during settlement talks or during a personal injury trial.