No Right Turn on Red? How Waterloo Region's New Pilot Could Make Our Streets Safer

August 03, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

If you've driven through Waterloo Region recently, you may have noticed a growing number of conversations about one seemingly simple traffic rule: right turns on a red light.

For decades, Ontario drivers have been permitted to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop - provided it is safe to do so and there is no sign prohibiting the turn. While the rule has helped traffic flow, it has also contributed to a type of collision that can have devastating consequences for pedestrians and cyclists.

Now, Waterloo Region is taking a closer look.

As part of an effort to improve road safety, the Region is introducing a pilot project that restricts right turns on red at selected intersections. The initiative reflects a broader movement across North America to create safer streets for everyone - not just drivers.

So why is this change being considered, and what could it mean for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists?

The Hidden Danger of Right Turns on Red

At first glance, a right turn on red appears straightforward. Drivers stop, check for traffic, and proceed when it's safe.

In reality, many drivers focus almost entirely on vehicles approaching from the left. Their attention is on finding a gap in traffic, not necessarily on pedestrians stepping into the crosswalk directly ahead or cyclists approaching from the right.

This phenomenon is sometimes called "look left, turn right."

The result can be serious collisions involving people who legally have the right-of-way.

Children, seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, and people using strollers or wheelchairs are especially vulnerable because they may take longer to cross an intersection.

Why Waterloo Region Is Testing the Change

Waterloo Region has long been recognized as a leader in transportation planning. From Canada's largest network of modern roundabouts to dedicated cycling infrastructure and the ION light rail system, the Region has invested heavily in improving mobility and safety.

Restricting right turns on red at selected intersections is another step toward reducing conflicts between vehicles and vulnerable road users.

The pilot will allow transportation planners to evaluate whether the restrictions:

• Reduce pedestrian collisions
• Improve cyclist safety
• Increase driver awareness
• Reduce near misses
• Improve overall intersection safety

If successful, similar restrictions could be expanded to additional locations throughout the Region.

Intersections Are Where Most Pedestrian Collisions Happen

Many people assume pedestrian accidents occur when someone crosses mid-block. In reality, a significant number of serious pedestrian injuries happen at intersections - exactly where people expect to be safest.

Common causes include:

• Drivers failing to yield while turning
• Distracted driving
• Rolling stops
• Speeding through yellow lights
• Poor visibility
• Failure to notice pedestrians entering the crosswalk

Even at relatively low speeds, a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian can result in life-changing injuries, or even death.

Drivers Still Need to Stop Completely

Whether or not an intersection allows right turns on red, one rule never changes:

A complete stop is required before turning.

Unfortunately, many drivers perform what is commonly known as a "rolling stop," slowing down without ever fully stopping before proceeding.

Rolling stops dramatically reduce the time available to identify pedestrians, cyclists, or other hazards.

Taking an extra two or three seconds to stop completely and carefully scan the entire intersection can prevent a tragedy.

Pedestrians and Cyclists Also Have Responsibilities

Improving road safety is a shared responsibility.

Pedestrians should:

• Cross only when signals indicate it is safe.
• Make eye contact with turning drivers whenever possible.
• Avoid distractions from mobile devices.
• Remain alert, even when they have the right-of-way.

Cyclists should ride predictably, obey traffic signals, and ensure they are visible to motorists - especially during early morning and evening hours.

No traffic rule can eliminate every risk, but increased awareness from everyone using the road can significantly reduce collisions.

What Happens If You're Injured?

If you're struck by a vehicle while legally crossing an intersection, you may have important legal rights under Ontario law.

Depending on the circumstances, injured pedestrians and cyclists may be entitled to:

• Accident benefits
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• Income replacement benefits
• Compensation for pain and suffering
• Future care costs
• Assistance with housekeeping or attendant care

Determining liability isn't always straightforward. Factors such as traffic signals, witness statements, surveillance footage, and collision reconstruction can all play a role in understanding exactly what happened.

Seeking legal advice early can help preserve critical evidence and ensure your rights are protected.

Building Safer Streets for Everyone

Road safety isn't about making life more difficult for drivers. It's about creating streets where motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and families can all travel safely.

Waterloo Region's no-right-turn-on-red pilot reflects a growing recognition that small changes in traffic design can have a meaningful impact on preventing serious injuries.

Whether the pilot expands in the future or not, one lesson remains clear: slowing down, staying alert, and looking for pedestrians before turning can save lives.

We're Here to Help

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian or cycling collision, the experienced team at Deutschmann de Koning Personal Injury Law is here to help.

For decades, we've represented injured Ontarians throughout Waterloo Region, helping them understand their rights and pursue the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

If you have questions after a serious accident, we're ready to listen.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.