Council proposal would ban right turns at red lights in most of Nashville
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Metro Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda filed legislation that would ban drivers from making right turns at red lights in the vast majority of Nashville.
Why it matters: The proposal, which requires council approval, would be a massive change for Nashville drivers. Sepulveda says it would improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians.
Driving the news: Under current rules, drivers can turn at a red light at most intersections after first coming to a stop.
- Sepulveda has introduced legislation that would institute bans in the urban services district, which spans downtown and other busy parts of the city.
- Her plan would direct the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT) to install signs indicating "No turns on red."
Reality check: The proposal is brand new, and NDOT and the police department haven't weighed in yet.
State of play: Sepulveda filed the legislation this week. As of Thursday evening, the legislation had nine sponsors, including Sepulveda.
- The measure will be up for the first of three votes at the Aug. 4 council meeting.
What she's saying: "For the past couple of years NDOT has been evaluating ways to reduce pedestrian fatalities," Sepulveda tells Axios over text. "No turn on red has been included in several plans including Connect Downtown.
- "Nashvillians are dying everyday. I'm done waiting. It's time to act."
The big picture: Although the numbers have been ticking down, Nashville has a problem with pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- There were 27 pedestrian or cyclist deaths last year.
- Nashville ranks 24th nationally in traffic fatalities per 100,000 people.
- The city has rolled out safety projects on busy corridors as part of Vision Zero, a strategic plan to eliminate roadway deaths.
Zoom out: Atlanta and San Francisco are among cities that ban right turns at red lights in high-traffic areas. Washington D.C. implemented a city-wide ban last year, but has been phasing in enforcement.