Final answer:
In Illinois, making a right turn at a red light is allowed after stopping and yielding to others. However, emergency situations may justify exceptions where safety benefits outweigh rule adherence. Traffic signals greatly enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in high-traffic areas like school campuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the state of Illinois, it is indeed permissible to make a right turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided that you have yielded to all vehicles and pedestrians. This rule helps ensure both the flow of traffic and the safety of all road users.
However, in extraordinary circumstances such as a medical emergency—a pregnant woman in the vehicle about to give birth—deviations from this rule may be morally justifiable to prevent greater harm. Such exceptions underscore the importance of considering situational factors, like the case at 4 AM with no other cars around, which may affect the decision to proceed against normal traffic rules to maximize overall safety and utility.
Pedestrian safety remains a key concern in urban planning, especially at busy intersections near campuses. Installing a traffic signal at such an intersection can greatly reduce risks. It forces vehicles to slow down by interrupting their ability to speed through, affording pedestrians, including students, safer passage at designated times without having to navigate through moving traffic.
A real-world example that underscores the benefits of a traffic signal is the intersection of Clay Street and Eagle Avenue. Following the installation of a traffic signal, the rate of accidents, which previously escalated to an alarming level, has tapered. The safety measure has not only reduced speeding but has also significantly decreased the risk for pedestrians, effectively preventing potential accidents and loss of life.