'No turn on red' is worth the wait

Question: I wondered if you could advise:

1) When did the "No Right Turn on Red" signs go up on southbound Loop 101's Union Hills exit?

2) Are there any plans to reset the lights to allow a right turn when the eastbound traffic has a green-arrow left turn onto northbound 101? This change is going to really back up traffic this winter, when the snowbirds start returning, unless some modification is made.

Answer: The intersection you are referring to at Loop 101 and Union Hills is out of the city of Peoria, and I have no idea what the plans are for the intersection.

Intersections off freeways are tricky, because the on/off ramps and lights belong to the state.

The no-turn-on-red signs came into effect early this fall to prevent accidents.

A lot of people were pulling forward when they could not see past the large concrete walls on the overpass or the vehicle next to them stopped at the light, and an oncoming vehicle would hit them when they turned. In order to reduce accidents, the state posted these signs.

Traffic does back up a little bit more, but you have to ask yourself, "Is two more minutes waiting worth an accident that will cost more money and could even result in injury or death?"

The answer is no.

Your other question is a good one as well and will be answered next week.

Jim Cousins, president of the Peoria Police Officers Association, answers questions about public safety. E-mail questions to askacop@q.com. Because of the number of queries, it may be several weeks before your question is addressed.