Multi-Method Investigation of Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Right-Turn Lanes

Status: Complete
Report Date: 01/05/2026

Summary:

The pedestrian safety impacts of dedicated right-turn lanes are primarily a concern at intersections with high pedestrian and traffic volumes. On roads with lower traffic volumes, dedicated right-turn lanes are beneficial or neutral for pedestrian safety. However, while dedicated right-turn lanes on higher-volume roadways are associated with slower turn speeds, the rate of drivers stopping for pedestrians in the crosswalk is lower. To address safety concerns at higher-volume intersections, especially driver–pedestrian interactions at secondary crosswalks, transportation practitioners should consider incorporating countermeasures that improve sightlines, slow traffic and better alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians.

Final Deliverables:

Multi-Method Investigation of Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Right Turn Lanes (Report #2026-04)
Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Dedicated Right-Turn Lane (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Crossroads: Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Dedicated Right-Turn Lanes (Blog Post)
‘He was fast … he ran you right over’: what it’s like to get hit by an SUV (News/Publication Article)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Curtis Craig

Co-Principal Investigator: Nichole Morris

Technical Liaison: Bradley Estochen

Project Coordinator: Briah Carlson