Most drivers take the right-turn-on-red for granted, assuming it’s always been a staple of South Dakota roads. But it wasn’t until the national energy crisis of the 1970s that federal legislation urged states to adopt ‘right on red’ laws to cut down on idling and save fuel. Back then, turning on red was strictly off-limits across most of the country, including South Dakota. State laws changed all that, and these days most residents don’t give it a second thought.
While most area drivers would agree that ‘right on red’ is here to stay, not every corner was built for it, including in the state’s largest city of Sioux Falls. A mix of rapid expansion, awkward terrain, and heavy foot traffic has turned several key intersections around town into real high-stress spots where taking that legal right on red requires extreme caution.
Here’s a look at 5 intersections in Sioux Falls where you’ll definitely want to keep your guard up while turning right on red.
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59th & South Louise Ave.
The Hazard: High-Speed Cross Traffic, Frequent Red-Light Runners & Dangerous Sightlines…