Growing Safety Concern
A recent fatal crash in New Braunfels, where a pedestrian was struck by a dump truck whose driver reportedly turned right on red without yielding, highlights a growing safety issue. Emerging research and national crash trends point to the significant risks posed by right‑turn‑on‑red maneuvers, especially in areas with pedestrian and bicycle activity.
Research Shows
A December report from the Mineta Transportation Institute found that right turns on red create consistent conflict points between drivers, walkers and cyclists. Key findings include:
- Most drivers fail to fully stop at red lights before turning, increasing the risk of collisions with pedestrians in crosswalks and cyclists traveling straight
- Researchers recommend allowing cities to make “no turn on red” the default, with exceptions only at intersections where design and traffic conditions support low-risk turning
Cities across the U.S., including Washington, D.C., New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and Ann Arbor, Mich., are now restricting or banning right turns on red in high‑pedestrian areas, near transit and around schools.
Why It Matters
Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities remain a major roadway safety challenge. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports:
- 7,314 pedestrians were killed in crashes across the U.S.
- More than 68,000 were injured
- One pedestrian was killed every 72 minutes
In Texas, fatalities declined in 2024, but the numbers still are alarming. According to the Texas Department of Transportation:
- 768 pedestrians were killed in crashes, more than two pedestrian crash deaths every day (down 5.19% from 2023)
- 78 cyclists were killed (down 26.42%)
Larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks and SUVs, also create greater risk during right turns due to larger blind spots and higher front-end profiles.
What You Can Do
Share these safety tips on how to reduce right-turn conflicts:
- Come to a complete stop before turning right on red – every time
- Scan for pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks, bike lanes and blind spots
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching intersections
- Yield well before the crosswalk so others can see pedestrians crossing
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk
Get Free Resources
To help you draw attention to right-turn-on-red safety risks, we have created these free pedestrian safety resources. Download and share at your location:
We also have a fun quiz you can use to create engagement across your organization. Access the Pedestrian Safety quiz through our e-learning platform. By taking advantage of the group delivery option, you can assign this activity to all your employees and track completions.
The End Game
By promoting safe driving and walking habits, and raising awareness through continuous training, you can help reduce preventable crashes and protect vulnerable road users.
Distraction-Free Driving
During Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, let’s work together to create safer roads. Get free resources from the National Safety Council and work to strengthen your safety culture through education and training.
Due Diligence
Review your company-wide distracted driving policy during a team meeting or implement a new policy as part of your commitment to reduce crashes involving employees and their family members.
- Need help getting started? Use this free safe driving policy template.
Lead by example: Never use drive time to catch up on phone calls, even using a hands-free device. The cognitive overload of engaging in a phone conversation can impact your ability to focus on the road. Be sure to discuss the three primary types of driver distraction and how to avoid them:
- Eyes off the road (looking at a screen to locate nearby takeout options)
- Hands off the wheel (eating or personal grooming)
- Mind off driving (mental distractions, often caused by stress or fatigue)
Texting is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction – and texting while driving is illegal in 48 states, including Texas. At 55 mph, looking at a phone for just five seconds is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
For workers who drive as part of their job, whether occasionally or every day, the risks increase. Busy schedules and tight deadlines can cause distraction and tempt you to multitask. Even just a quick glance at a screen can have lasting consequences. What if you miss an exit or stop sign? What if you’re unable to quickly react to a driver suddenly braking right in front of you?
Safe driving is more than a personal choice. At work, safe driving is a professional responsibility. Each trip reflects your organization’s values and commitment to protecting employees, their families and the people living in the communities you serve.
Set Expectations
Small changes in driver behavior can make big differences in safety. Share these tips:
- Silence or stow your phone; use this free tutorial to ensure everyone on your team knows how to set their phone to Do Not Disturb before driving
- Set GPS, climate controls and playlists before starting the car
- Avoid eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Pull over safely if you need to make a call or send a message
- Stay mentally present – stop for a break if you’re stressed, rushed or fatigued
- Speak up as a passenger if the driver becomes distracted
Go the Extra Mile
Enhance your safety initiatives with these free tools:
- Assign employees to take our free distracted driving course (search the catalog); use the group delivery function in our new learning management system to track completions
- Take the Distracted Driving Myth vs. Fact Quiz
- Encourage everyone at your location to take the NSC Just Drive Pledge by incentivizing participation
- Watch this safety video during a team meeting, then open the floor for discussion: Distraction Free Starts with Me – Make the Choice to Focus on the Road (available in English and Spanish)
- Download and display these safety posters at your location to raise awareness of safety risks
Creating a distraction-free culture starts at work, but the results can be far-reaching. When employers lead with expectations, education and engagement, employees are more likely to bring safe behaviors home and share them with the people they love.
Science Project
Join us Thursday, April 16, for a FREE online webinar: Your Brain on Distraction – The Science Every Driver Shoulder Know.
What You Can Expect
Many people think they can handle quick tasks while driving – like checking a message, adjusting the GPS or grabbing something to eat. But science shows the brain can only focus on one thinking task at a time. When we try to multitask, our attention drops, our reaction time slows and we miss important things on the road.
In this webinar, National Safety Council Program Manager April Ramos will explain in simple terms how the brain works while driving and why even short distractions make crashes more likely.
You will learn:
- How distraction slows reaction time and makes it harder to notice hazards
- The difference between visual, manual and cognitive distraction and why all three are risky
- Why multitasking behind the wheel doesn’t work, even if you feel “focused”
- Simple steps anyone can use to stay more focused and reduce distraction
This session is helpful for anyone who drives – and anyone who supports safe driving at work or at home. Register to attend now.
