Nashville Considers Proposal to Ban Right Turns on Red

Nashville, Tennessee, is considering a proposal that would prohibit drivers from turning right on red lights in downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda, aims to enhance pedestrian safety following the deaths of twenty pedestrians in the city this year. Residents have expressed concerns that the ban could lead to longer commute times, particularly in areas outside of downtown. Some residents, like Skylar Keyser, argue that the ban would cause traffic congestion, while others, such as Maryanne Rieder, support the measure for downtown but question its necessity in other areas. The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure plans to install "No Turn on Red" signs in affected locations, which would be removed after a survey confirms that turning right on red does not pose a pedestrian risk. The proposal will undergo a public hearing and two additional readings before a final decision is made, with potential implementation in five months if approved.