Staten Island Councilmember Proposes Study on Allowing Right Turns on Red at Select Intersections
A proposed bill by Staten Island Republican Councilmember Frank Morano seeks to study whether allowing drivers to turn right on red lights at select intersections in the borough is safe. The bill, which would require the city's transportation department to examine visibility, space, and traffic patterns at specific corners, has sparked mixed reactions from residents.
Morano argues that Staten Island shares similar driving conditions with other parts of New York State and New Jersey, where right turns on red are allowed under certain circumstances. He believes that drivers should be given more flexibility in their ability to make safe right-hand turns.
The proposed study would focus on a limited number of intersections, including several locations in the Annadale neighborhood. While some residents see this as an opportunity to speed up commutes, others are concerned about the potential safety risks for pedestrians, particularly children.
One intersection targeted by Morano's bill is located near Tottenville High School and Richard H. Hungerford School, where hundreds of students flood the sidewalks every morning and afternoon. Local resident Christine Devito expressed her opposition to allowing right turns on red at this location, citing concerns about schoolchildren's safety.
In contrast, some drivers in other areas of Staten Island say that the ban on right turns can make their daily commutes more hazardous, as they tend to rush through intersections when trying to turn. Tony Forna, a local motorist, stated that waiting for lights and slowing down has become a safer option than attempting to make right-hand turns.
The city's transportation department counters that right turns are allowed at red lights at over 300 locations across the five boroughs, including 186 on Staten Island. These intersections have adequate visibility and traffic gaps, they argue.
Morano maintains that his proposal is not driven by ideology but rather a practical assessment of traffic conditions in Staten Island. He believes that allowing right turns on red at select intersections could alleviate congestion and improve commutes for residents.
A proposed bill by Staten Island Republican Councilmember Frank Morano seeks to study whether allowing drivers to turn right on red lights at select intersections in the borough is safe. The bill, which would require the city's transportation department to examine visibility, space, and traffic patterns at specific corners, has sparked mixed reactions from residents.
Morano argues that Staten Island shares similar driving conditions with other parts of New York State and New Jersey, where right turns on red are allowed under certain circumstances. He believes that drivers should be given more flexibility in their ability to make safe right-hand turns.
The proposed study would focus on a limited number of intersections, including several locations in the Annadale neighborhood. While some residents see this as an opportunity to speed up commutes, others are concerned about the potential safety risks for pedestrians, particularly children.
One intersection targeted by Morano's bill is located near Tottenville High School and Richard H. Hungerford School, where hundreds of students flood the sidewalks every morning and afternoon. Local resident Christine Devito expressed her opposition to allowing right turns on red at this location, citing concerns about schoolchildren's safety.
In contrast, some drivers in other areas of Staten Island say that the ban on right turns can make their daily commutes more hazardous, as they tend to rush through intersections when trying to turn. Tony Forna, a local motorist, stated that waiting for lights and slowing down has become a safer option than attempting to make right-hand turns.
The city's transportation department counters that right turns are allowed at red lights at over 300 locations across the five boroughs, including 186 on Staten Island. These intersections have adequate visibility and traffic gaps, they argue.
Morano maintains that his proposal is not driven by ideology but rather a practical assessment of traffic conditions in Staten Island. He believes that allowing right turns on red at select intersections could alleviate congestion and improve commutes for residents.
. I mean, I get where he's coming from - Staten Island does have similar driving conditions to other parts of NY State and NJ, so maybe it's time to rethink our traffic rules? But on the other hand, I totally get why some people are opposed to this bill, especially when you think about all those school kids walking around every morning and afternoon near that intersection 
. I feel like they're already at risk just by having to navigate sidewalks with so many cars whizzing by - adding in right turns on red would just make things more unpredictable? But then again, if it's done safely and with the right visibility, maybe it could actually help reduce congestion and make commutes easier for some people 
i mean i get it, commuters hate waiting around but safety first fam. and what about all those kids walkin across the street every morning 
gotta keep 'em safe! btw 300 locations on Staten island is still lowkey a lot of intersections to study... maybe just stick with coffee shop reviews instead
especially with all the kids walkin around schools in areas like tottenville. it's just too many variables at play - visibility, space, traffic patterns... what if somethin goes wrong? 
You know what would make this article super clear? Some proper headings and subheadings! It's all about structure, people! 
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. I mean, I get where Tony Forna is coming from - slowing down can be a real bummer when you're just trying to get to work or school 
. But on the other hand, I've seen some crazy stuff happening at red lights when people aren't paying attention... maybe this bill could actually make things safer 
. Anyway, back to this proposal... I don't know, man, I'm just not sure if allowing right turns on red at select intersections is gonna make that big of a difference in Staten Island traffic. Like, we've got the NYC subway system to deal with, right? Can you imagine the chaos? 
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. It's all about findin' that balance between convenience and caution, you feel me?
I'm torn about this proposal, part of me thinks it could make our commutes faster, but another part of me is worried about those school kids crossing the street every day... what if they get hit? 
. But now, imagine being able to turn right on red without having to stop... sounds kinda nice, doesn't it? 
