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Seattle cutting back on intersections allowing right turns on red

SEATTLE — The Seattle Department of Transportation is cutting back the number of intersections where you can turn right on red.

SDOT has already finished work at 28 of the intersections and the rest should be done by the end of July.

In Seattle, right turn on red crashes accounts for 9% of all accidents at intersections, says SDOT. A recent study by the Institute of Transportation Engineers Journal found reducing right-on-red intersections cut pedestrian-car crashes by 92%.

“If it prevents civilian deaths, then I mean what’s waiting for the light to turn green? I don’t mind,” said Ellie Fein, who lives in Seattle.

“It’s real dependent on the area. If it’s really busy, okay, it’s probably going to be helpful. But if it’s like, not busy, it’s probably not doing anything,” said Troy Franada, another Seattle resident.

This is all a part of the city’s ‘Vision Zero’ initiative which aims to end traffic-related deaths and injuries by 2030. Along with the changes at these intersections, SDOT plans to build new, marked crosswalks with signs or flashing beacons, repair sidewalks and other pedestrian paths, and build more protected bike lanes.