Right turns on red lights

When allowed, you can turn right on a red light but must obey some basic rules before proceeding.

Although making a right turn at an intersection may seem easy, there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Basic rules to right turns

In Saskatchewan, you are allowed to turn right on a red light, unless a traffic sign prohibits it. However, you must still obey some basic rules before proceeding:

 

1. Decide to make your right turn well in advance.
2. Signal, check your mirrors and shoulder check.
3. When safe, move as close to the right as possible.
4. Stop before the crosswalk, in the lane closest to the curb.
5. Look for and yield to traffic and pedestrians in or near the intersection before pulling out.
6. Complete your right turn into the first available driving lane.

It's your responsibility to move as close to the right curb, or right edge of the road, as possible. When a vehicle is parked in the lane closest to the right curb and near the intersection, you must move into that lane at the first opportunity before turning.

Turning right on red facilitates the smooth flow of traffic by allowing more vehicles through the intersection, so drivers should be encouraged to make the turn if it's safe rather than waiting for the green light.

By obeying these simple rules you could help reduce the chance of collisions. On average, about half of collisions in urban areas occur at intersections, while only 5.5% of collisions in rural areas occur at intersections. As well, almost 2-3rds of injuries and half of the fatalities in urban areas are at intersections.

Taking extra care while making a right turn is extremely important as 3% of collisions at urban intersections involve right turns. Every year there are about 939 collisions at intersections involving right turns.

Turning left on a red light

All the same rules for right turns on a red light apply, but you can only turn left from a 1-way street to another 1-way street, after looking for and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Be sure to always signal your intentions.

Remember, most crashes happen at intersections, so before making a simple turn, make sure the coast is clear.