When making a right turn at an intersection with a solid red light, you should:
Answers
Activate your turn signal and immediately turn.
Wait and turn right only after the light changes to green.
Come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and turn right after the lane is clear.
Activate your hazard lights and turn right.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Come to a complete stop, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and turn right after the lane is clear.
Explanation:
When approaching an intersection with a solid red light, it’s important to understand the traffic laws for making a right turn. In most places, a right turn on red is permitted unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting it. However, this maneuver requires drivers to follow certain safety procedures to ensure that it is done legally and safely.
- Complete Stop: Before making a right turn on red, the driver must come to a full stop at the stop line or intersection. This is a key requirement that ensures drivers have a clear view of the cross traffic and can assess whether it is safe to proceed.
- Yielding the Right-of-Way: After stopping, drivers must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians crossing the street they are turning into. This is crucial for pedestrian safety and helps prevent accidents.
- Yielding to Oncoming Traffic: In addition to yielding to pedestrians, drivers must also look for any oncoming vehicles that may be approaching the intersection. If there is traffic or other vehicles making left turns, the driver must wait until it is safe to turn. This ensures that the turn does not create a collision hazard.
- Turning When Clear: Only after making a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic should the driver proceed with the right turn when the lane is clear. This is to avoid any potential conflict with vehicles that are continuing through the intersection or entering from other directions.
Other Options Explained:
- Activate your turn signal and immediately turn: This is incorrect because it disregards the need for a full stop and yielding, which are essential for safe driving and compliance with traffic laws.
- Wait and turn right only after the light changes to green: This is not necessary unless there is a sign prohibiting a right turn on red. If the law allows it, a driver can turn right after stopping and yielding.
- Activate your hazard lights and turn right: This is incorrect as using hazard lights while making a turn is not a standard or legal requirement, and it can confuse other drivers.
In conclusion, making a right turn at a red light requires a driver to stop, yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, and proceed only when the road is clear to ensure safety and compliance with traffic regulations.