They're becoming more common in CA - no-right-on-red places, that is; we already have plenty of crazy boomers. You can tell when those exist because there will be a green arrow light. Doesn't stop the crazy boomer behind you from honking because you won't turn into a stream of 60mph traffic. We *really* need to do regular driving tests on anyone older than maybe 55 (that includes myself)
Allowing right on red is very dangerous for pedestrians and.cyclist. that's why it's slowly getting banned. (Has been banned in most of the EU for decades)
Allowing to turn right on red are specifically dangerous for pedistrians and bikes. But those are far and between in the US, is that changing or is there other dangers beside those two?
Just another Republican anarchist who can't cope with society. Remember when pretty much all Republicans thought anarchists were bad people with piercings and black hair - and then after a few years with Trump they all turned anarchists themselves?
Meh, that's typical california behavior. Honestly it's nothing compared to the bay area these days. A while back they decided the criminal justice system was too expensive and that they would save a lot by decriminalizing most non-violent crimes. Now it's common for stores (especially in the bay area) to have half the store or more locked behind security plastic or glass as they are robbed daily with 0 consequences. Lived here my whole life and the only people downplaying this are out of state.
Seriously, there’s this stupid fucking light by my dog’s daycare that has no right on red for no fucking reason. The perpendicular traffic has no U-turn and there’s no right arrow!
It didn't used to have it, but now it does, and that caused the no right on red? Well there's your explanation. Right on red is incredibly dangerous for pedestrians wanting to cross the road.
It didn’t used to have the no right on red. It’s never has a crosswalk. It’s a high traffic area right by the freeway, but when cross traffic is turning left there’s no reason to bar right on red.
Not saying it isn't frustrating for drivers, but one safety reason cited seems valid. A right-turning driver watching for left-traffic might be too distracted to notice a pedestrian on their right. Maybe it's better for a city to be more walkable than to save drivers a few seconds at a red light.
Honestly I'm more distracted by the flags at the McDonald's in the background. It looks like the mcd flag is flown higher than both the USA national and California state flags, which is a violation of the flag code.
Looks like US flag is at half mast on a taller pole (taller pole for US flag is not uncommon), but they left state and mcd at full, so they are higher. That's a no-no. Flag code is for US flag to be at or higher than flags next to it.
I don't understand why it's helpful to have national flags there at all. What are the odds someone is driving around and forget which land mass they're on?
Given the average Americans geography skills, probably not insignificant. “Woah honey, I haven’t seen an American flag in 10 minutes we in Mexico or Canada?”
Well, if you cross in Ontario, you'll know! From my driving over there, they do appear to like the flag. It's not so common here in Quebec and no it has nothing to do with the handful of "separatists", it's just because we really don't give a fuck about flags.
That sign doesn't look right, too far from the road, installed at an angle, and hung on wood? Maybe he's taking down a sign some people put in their yard, which would be illegal, but then a civilian taking it down with an ax is still illegal.
Makes it defensible for others. I've been rooked by a poorly positioned "no turn on red" sign before. Didn't know about it until I was helping my ex buy a house and got snagged, then on subsequent visits, saw there was a cop waiting there all the time. So I can empathize a bit. Obviously that hill makes it look like the sign is warranted, but doesn't mean it's visible from the white line.
Same happened to me. Was turning from a side road to the turning lane to do a u-turn but didn’t see the sign. Cop was waiting for someone to do it and stopped me. Let him know I didn’t see the sign as I was also focusing on making sure no traffic was coming. Told me to pay attention more and gave me a ticket. Not sure if it warrants for ACAB but all the same
So, technically it does, here. Turning right on a red light is legal (As long as it was safe to do so) unless there's a sign stating otherwise. So if someone removes the sign, no one can be ticketed for turning right on red in that intersection until the sign is replaced.
Yup. Not too far from this post, in San Diego, I got pulled over for making right on red. I said “wtf? No sign saying not too.” Cop said “hold on…” and went to double check. Came back and said “thanks for letting me know. I’d have looked like an idiot in court.”
Not really because California has a "basic speed" law that leaves it to the discretion of the officer/ situation. Residential, parking lots, highways, freeways ... all have "max unless otherwise posted" limits. Making a right turn is legal in CA unless posted (and otherwise safe).
I mean sure but we still have more guns than any other state my dude. Well registered guns iirc, licensed and unregistered I think it's TX but CA is still in the top 5.
Yeah, CA is going to have the most of pretty much anything because it's huge and full of people. I'm pretty sure CA also has more Republicans than Texas.
You’re supposed to move your dominant hand up the handle towards the head of the axe, use it for power during the start of the swing, then halfway through slide that hand down to meet the other at the bottom and then let the axe follow through the rest of the swing using your hands as a pivot point
His technique is wrong cause hes using an axe instead of just using the pole like a stirring stick, loosening the pole in the dirt and pulling it up. Takes like 45 seconds.
In CA it legal to turn right on a red light, if youre in the right lane. This lane is weird cause it has a sign that says no right turn on red, which is contrary to basically every other road in CA. I bet money this is a guy who lives on that street, turned right on red every day for decades, then they put up that sign and he got a ticket. So he chopped down the sign. But im just spitballn
Nah, cement is weak, you could topple it in 2 min. even if its welded in metal. Only like 3min. Friction and motion are stronger than earth and metal. Its more about leverage than material. Unless more pole is underground than above ground you can basically just push any sign over, within reason.. most things smaller than a telephone pole, id bet, never tried, but ive toppled a few trees that way just rocking them back and fourth, back and forth until they topple over. Gravity does most the work
It's either let people have U turns, or right on red. In Oklahoma U turns are typically illegal. In California, right on red is typically illegal. Or we could mostly get rid of vehicles.
Just moved from florida to DC and now completely understand why right turn on red isn’t a great idea. No one really walks in florida because they’ve made it impossible to not need a car down there.
We love our red right turns in CA, so if there's a sign like that then you know the intersection is real bad. That dude's nuts, and can't use an axe for shit.
Thanks for the context, are there dedicated lanes after intersections where right-turning cars can safely merge or is it just a remnant from the free-for-all carnage of past times?
You can only turn right on red if it's safe to do so (meaning you can see that there are no cars coming across the intersection and no pedestrians in the walk lines). In practice, it's pretty safe for most intersections, and they put these signs to disallow the turn at intersections where the right-turning drivers can't see well.
You did assume wrong. Despite what imgur users would have you believe, the US isn't actually the thunderdome. 7,624 pedestrians died in the US in 2021 from a population of 330 million. We absolutely can and should do better, but those aren't catastrophic numbers.
Both. Depends on the city and the road. Sometimes there's a merging lane, but more often than not, you're turning right into traffic. It's perfectly safe so long as you have an unobstructed view.
Depends on the city. Californian here; road design and lane structure changes drastically from city to city. Some have dedicated turning lanes and organized merging, others are just open anarchy where there are barely any lines on the ground to begin with. Generally you just operate on the idea of "flow of traffic" and wing it as best you can in any case. There are still tons of asshole drivers - especially from Arizona, I've found - who just do whatever they want and cause trouble all over.
It should be noted that no one commented on is right on red is "only when safe" you still have to stop then look to see if it's safe. But yes the far less foot traffic/bikes makes it way more possible.
It generally works pretty well. Unless the corner is total dogshit (in which case there's a sign like this), you can see when it's safe to turn even on red. It keeps traffic flowing more smoothly and doesn't cause an increase in accidents.
I mean so long as the road is clear and free of blind spots, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be safe to make a right turn on red, unless you're in somewhere like the UK where you drive on the wrong side of the road. It's no different than turning right at a Stop sign.
Why stop there then? If the road is clear why shouldn't you be allowed to run the red going straight? It's no different than going straight at the stop sign.
It is significantly easier to see whether cars are approaching from one direction in one lane than whether the whole intersection is clear in both directions. And ignoring a stop sign is also dangerous.
Except that you have to stop and check with a stop sign, just like you have to stop and check when turning right on red.
Your argument is ridiculous for two reasons:
1. You don't just blow straight through a red light/stop sign 2. Lights are installed in intersections where it is impossible to tell if the road is clear from both sides. That's not the case with right turns. You only have to check one side for cars.
Regardless, traffic lights suck and should all be replaced with roundabouts.
evilspock
They're becoming more common in CA - no-right-on-red places, that is; we already have plenty of crazy boomers. You can tell when those exist because there will be a green arrow light. Doesn't stop the crazy boomer behind you from honking because you won't turn into a stream of 60mph traffic. We *really* need to do regular driving tests on anyone older than maybe 55 (that includes myself)
BillHubbard
Allowing right on red is very dangerous for pedestrians and.cyclist. that's why it's slowly getting banned. (Has been banned in most of the EU for decades)
williamtowel
This is the US though, there is basically zero foot traffic and bike traffic because the US hates it's citizens.
arumunus
The highlight to this is the McDonalds flag flying over the American.
Trelis
Allowing to turn right on red are specifically dangerous for pedistrians and bikes. But those are far and between in the US, is that changing or is there other dangers beside those two?
Sipmonsnsn
I just figured out that all signs are on metal poles in the country I live in. I wonder if it's because of ppl like him...
januarylover
Someone needs to put granddad in a time out
darkninja2992
If i saw that i'd come back later with a couple planks of wood, a hammer, and some nails, and put that sign right back up just to piss him off
ReturnOfActionCheese
He learnt how to swing an axe by looking at a photo
YippeeKayakOB
Just another Republican anarchist who can't cope with society. Remember when pretty much all Republicans thought anarchists were bad people with piercings and black hair - and then after a few years with Trump they all turned anarchists themselves?
inkswitch11
horseshit axe skills
BoomerTheYounger
Hint hint; Dewalt 20V Max XR chainsaw…..light, quick, quiet and efficient!
jerbern1
Plot twist this guy is a new city worker and he is being hazed by other employees by only giving him an axe to take down the sign.
PenguinNamedWobbles
Meh, that's typical california behavior. Honestly it's nothing compared to the bay area these days. A while back they decided the criminal justice system was too expensive and that they would save a lot by decriminalizing most non-violent crimes. Now it's common for stores (especially in the bay area) to have half the store or more locked behind security plastic or glass as they are robbed daily with 0 consequences. Lived here my whole life and the only people downplaying this are out of state.
DavidBrooker
Right turn on red should be illegal everywhere.
robsxe
Let's start with rights on red shouldn't be happening at all. And that's a guy that has never had to use an axe.
Aeolys
That has to be illegal
cousteau
What, turning right on red? Yeah, it is there
C0ZM0
It's loose! Just push it over dude!
davebeastly
It's jankiest looking sign post I've ever seen.
VosperOfAntarctica
Took too long. Light is now green. Your method of anarchy is inefficient
jaysjunkymail11
That's what I don't get. Why sign with green arrow right there? Of course the sign does not look official so maybe that's why he's getting rid of it.
MickeyCallahan
"Why sign with green arrow right there?" Look, very stupid people drive.
MisterLemons
Use the time honored tradition of incendiary devices.
Akurei00
Any recommendation of fire in California seems like a bad idea
4Astaroth
That's how you know it's not Germany.
PineappleLoopsBroether
Rope pull woulda worked better late at night.
BREED09
Doesnt even take that much. He could lift it out. Its loose in the hole.
PineappleLoopsBroether
Title of your sex tape
Lulabel73
I’m surprised it’s a wooden post.
LTP88
Don't show this to notjustbikes guy.. He hates turn right on red.. So dangerous to pedestrians and cyclists
aSheepAmongWolves
Is California just west Florida?
doesntmatter
I mean, I'm not from the USA so my opinion is trash, but yes, I do see it that way ;)
magicmartyn86
No. Florida has no laws.
Ctidz
Now but Califronia is.
alwaysthecheesegrater
Parts of it, yeah. But overall, no.
Midgarmerc
Only some parts
pizzapartyhard
Seriously, there’s this stupid fucking light by my dog’s daycare that has no right on red for no fucking reason. The perpendicular traffic has no U-turn and there’s no right arrow!
madjo
And there is no pedestrian crossing?
pizzapartyhard
Nope. It didn’t used to have it, but they recently did work on it and added the no right on red.
madjo
It didn't used to have it, but now it does, and that caused the no right on red? Well there's your explanation. Right on red is incredibly dangerous for pedestrians wanting to cross the road.
pizzapartyhard
It didn’t used to have the no right on red. It’s never has a crosswalk. It’s a high traffic area right by the freeway, but when cross traffic is turning left there’s no reason to bar right on red.
Mercenarity
Not saying it isn't frustrating for drivers, but one safety reason cited seems valid. A right-turning driver watching for left-traffic might be too distracted to notice a pedestrian on their right. Maybe it's better for a city to be more walkable than to save drivers a few seconds at a red light.
dasobserver
Honestly I'm more distracted by the flags at the McDonald's in the background. It looks like the mcd flag is flown higher than both the USA national and California state flags, which is a violation of the flag code.
LuciusNeedful
Looks like US flag is at half mast on a taller pole (taller pole for US flag is not uncommon), but they left state and mcd at full, so they are higher. That's a no-no. Flag code is for US flag to be at or higher than flags next to it.
StrategicWeaponsPlatformNineAndThreeQuarters
I don't understand why it's helpful to have national flags there at all. What are the odds someone is driving around and forget which land mass they're on?
kadaeux
Given the average Americans geography skills, probably not insignificant. “Woah honey, I haven’t seen an American flag in 10 minutes we in Mexico or Canada?”
MapleSyrupMafia
Well, if you cross in Ontario, you'll know! From my driving over there, they do appear to like the flag. It's not so common here in Quebec and no it has nothing to do with the handful of "separatists", it's just because we really don't give a fuck about flags.
trigonman3
ATLandNerdy
That sign doesn't look right, too far from the road, installed at an angle, and hung on wood? Maybe he's taking down a sign some people put in their yard, which would be illegal, but then a civilian taking it down with an ax is still illegal.
madjo
Removing the sign doesn't make it legal
lljkstonefish
Oh.
aThingWithTheStufAndTheJunk
Makes it defensible for others. I've been rooked by a poorly positioned "no turn on red" sign before. Didn't know about it until I was helping my ex buy a house and got snagged, then on subsequent visits, saw there was a cop waiting there all the time. So I can empathize a bit. Obviously that hill makes it look like the sign is warranted, but doesn't mean it's visible from the white line.
madjo
Ah, maybe that bald woodchuck in the video is a cop who's down on his quota.
aThingWithTheStufAndTheJunk
I'd put good money on him being someone who got popped on that turn and is pissed about it, myself.
L4dead2
Same happened to me. Was turning from a side road to the turning lane to do a u-turn but didn’t see the sign. Cop was waiting for someone to do it and stopped me. Let him know I didn’t see the sign as I was also focusing on making sure no traffic was coming. Told me to pay attention more and gave me a ticket. Not sure if it warrants for ACAB but all the same
FetteredJuvenescence
So, technically it does, here. Turning right on a red light is legal (As long as it was safe to do so) unless there's a sign stating otherwise. So if someone removes the sign, no one can be ticketed for turning right on red in that intersection until the sign is replaced.
iamthegoonsquad
Yup. Not too far from this post, in San Diego, I got pulled over for making right on red. I said “wtf? No sign saying not too.” Cop said “hold on…” and went to double check. Came back and said “thanks for letting me know. I’d have looked like an idiot in court.”
madjo
By that argument, removing the speed limit sign would mean that there's no speed limit?
iamthegoonsquad
Not really because California has a "basic speed" law that leaves it to the discretion of the officer/ situation. Residential, parking lots, highways, freeways ... all have "max unless otherwise posted" limits. Making a right turn is legal in CA unless posted (and otherwise safe).
Kabloop
I'm just surprised he's using an axe instead of a gun.
alwaysthecheesegrater
Maybe it's because California has the strictest gun laws in the country.
MickeyCallahan
That's a very low bar.
williamtowel
I mean sure but we still have more guns than any other state my dude. Well registered guns iirc, licensed and unregistered I think it's TX but CA is still in the top 5.
alwaysthecheesegrater
Yeah, CA is going to have the most of pretty much anything because it's huge and full of people. I'm pretty sure CA also has more Republicans than Texas.
Kabloop
Shoutrr
some people in the us act like if their cops wouldn't shoot them for a laugh, and they have free healthcare
AfterTheRainComesTheRainbow
he's white, cops would help him
Shoutrr
not so sure, he is destroying city property, not attacking a poc
AfterTheRainComesTheRainbow
true
insecure400lbman
Does this work?
Colopty
I assume he's on benefits.
GravyEducation
Depends on how you define that
SLCtechie
Yes. Random, disgruntled citizens poorly chopping down signs IS a basis for a government.
doesntmatter
Direct direct democracy
ShinksAvoHazaar
Be a lot more effective if he knew how to use an axe. Or turned it around and used it as a demo hammer
LuciusNeedful
Or just use a wrench. Those signs are only held on by two standard bolts.
Wuz314159
*ask (not axe)
doesntmatter
Why downvote? He clearly needs to learn how to use an ask so somebody can tell him how to use test tool
raifsevrence
They used to cut down the redwoods with them, so yeah, I think it can handle a little 3" post.
bamcobra
Akshully, it’s probably 3.50
MadCatIV
It would go faster if he actually sharpened the axe first.
djrinni
And swung it correctly
insecure400lbman
Could you turn right on red after they cut down the trees?
WaterUnderTheRocketAppliances
There's almost certainly a "no turn on red" sign hanging up by the lights, so you can't just claim ignorance
cousteau
They're red-wood trees so I guess?
MrFancyPanzer
His technique is all wrong, he's swinging it like it's a baseball bat.
Fishstickbreeder
Correct I was going to say the same. He is holding and swinging it wrong
BurnieCinders
Look at that post wobble, that's not an axe job, that's a "This is SPARTA" job. Leverage yo.
AnOldDude
Yep, he's trying to chop the most difficult way possible.
Well, a more difficult way would be to use a flat of the axe, but he doesn't know how to chop wood.
mockingbird75
He needs some assistance from Nicole
Photus
My immediate thought also
lljkstonefish
Is he supposed to swing it like a golf club?
JoVaLDrawsShittudes
Looks like golf club swinging there more than a baseball bat
T3NM1DG3TS
You’re supposed to move your dominant hand up the handle towards the head of the axe, use it for power during the start of the swing, then halfway through slide that hand down to meet the other at the bottom and then let the axe follow through the rest of the swing using your hands as a pivot point
DAoE
He keeps hitting at the same angle - it would help if he alternated a bit, to cut out a wedge.
CompletelyUniqueUsername
And orient his swing at an angle to the grain closer to 45* than 90*
Zeunerite
He is supposed to swing it like an axe.
backrideup9
Everybody critiquing his swing is completely forgetting battery powered saws exist. Milwaukee or Dewalt would've had the sign down in 10 seconds.
SilereVitam
I mean, yeah, but...hitting things is therapeutic.
AllGloryToTheDarkLord
His technique is wrong cause hes using an axe instead of just using the pole like a stirring stick, loosening the pole in the dirt and pulling it up. Takes like 45 seconds.
omagouch
That's assuming it's not planted into concrete like it should be.
AllGloryToTheDarkLord
Wouldn't matter. Rock a pole back and forth back and forth back and forth for a minute and the cement turns to sand pretty quickly.
MCpeepantz
Exactly, same technique I use for your mother.
atvcrash
His technique is wrong cause he's using an age instead of the all new 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and a heavy-duty chain. Takes 15 seconds.
doesntmatter
Saws exist too
GravyEducation
Idfc I'm already gone on the green arrow
AllGloryToTheDarkLord
In CA it legal to turn right on a red light, if youre in the right lane. This lane is weird cause it has a sign that says no right turn on red, which is contrary to basically every other road in CA. I bet money this is a guy who lives on that street, turned right on red every day for decades, then they put up that sign and he got a ticket. So he chopped down the sign. But im just spitballn
pullingsixty
Yeah, you can see already the pole moving each time he strikes it.
narniasreal
His technique is wrong because he is probably a moron
Bimmler
What, in this video, could possibly lead you to think he's a moron? Imgurians so judgemental
eXoRainbow
Nothing. He does everything right in this video. I'm baffled too.
xRevenx
Aren't those beams used specifically because they're very difficult to chop?
yaddiex3
Unless it's set in cement
AllGloryToTheDarkLord
Nah, cement is weak, you could topple it in 2 min. even if its welded in metal. Only like 3min. Friction and motion are stronger than earth and metal. Its more about leverage than material. Unless more pole is underground than above ground you can basically just push any sign over, within reason.. most things smaller than a telephone pole, id bet, never tried, but ive toppled a few trees that way just rocking them back and fourth, back and forth until they topple over. Gravity does most the work
WhatzitTooya
cant be much judging by how much it gives in to the limp swings...
insanitycontinuum
There are.. *whack* ..too few.. *whack* ..fucking traffic accidents.. *whack* ..around here
VaultGirl69
It's either let people have U turns, or right on red. In Oklahoma U turns are typically illegal. In California, right on red is typically illegal. Or we could mostly get rid of vehicles.
AnApologeticCanadian
Literally this shit was put on an intersection where i live because a cyclist got killed by someone turning right during a red light.
mippijRunner
Just moved from florida to DC and now completely understand why right turn on red isn’t a great idea. No one really walks in florida because they’ve made it impossible to not need a car down there.
MuffinProof
madjo
Fuck them pedestrians! /this axe wielding nutjob.
Vident99
*fuck all the other people than me - fix'd it for you /j
anonymous
What pedestrians? This is in America.
madjo
Good point
MickeyCallahan
I mean, there's one with an axe right there.
eeps
We love our red right turns in CA, so if there's a sign like that then you know the intersection is real bad. That dude's nuts, and can't use an axe for shit.
insanitycontinuum
Thanks for the context, are there dedicated lanes after intersections where right-turning cars can safely merge or is it just a remnant from the free-for-all carnage of past times?
blainetog
You can only turn right on red if it's safe to do so (meaning you can see that there are no cars coming across the intersection and no pedestrians in the walk lines). In practice, it's pretty safe for most intersections, and they put these signs to disallow the turn at intersections where the right-turning drivers can't see well.
gandraw
The second. And pedestrians get run over all the time because drivers need 100% of their attention to look left while turning on red.
insanitycontinuum
I was hoping I assumed wrong, but alas, didn't
blainetog
You did assume wrong. Despite what imgur users would have you believe, the US isn't actually the thunderdome. 7,624 pedestrians died in the US in 2021 from a population of 330 million. We absolutely can and should do better, but those aren't catastrophic numbers.
anonymous
Both. Depends on the city and the road. Sometimes there's a merging lane, but more often than not, you're turning right into traffic. It's perfectly safe so long as you have an unobstructed view.
MerriMod
Depends on the city. Californian here; road design and lane structure changes drastically from city to city. Some have dedicated turning lanes and organized merging, others are just open anarchy where there are barely any lines on the ground to begin with. Generally you just operate on the idea of "flow of traffic" and wing it as best you can in any case. There are still tons of asshole drivers - especially from Arizona, I've found - who just do whatever they want and cause trouble all over.
ProppaGanda
As a European, right turns on red? Holy fuck, you guys are mad.
williamtowel
It should be noted that no one commented on is right on red is "only when safe" you still have to stop then look to see if it's safe. But yes the far less foot traffic/bikes makes it way more possible.
blainetog
It generally works pretty well. Unless the corner is total dogshit (in which case there's a sign like this), you can see when it's safe to turn even on red. It keeps traffic flowing more smoothly and doesn't cause an increase in accidents.
anonymous
I mean so long as the road is clear and free of blind spots, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be safe to make a right turn on red, unless you're in somewhere like the UK where you drive on the wrong side of the road. It's no different than turning right at a Stop sign.
ProppaGanda
Why stop there then? If the road is clear why shouldn't you be allowed to run the red going straight? It's no different than going straight at the stop sign.
blainetog
It is significantly easier to see whether cars are approaching from one direction in one lane than whether the whole intersection is clear in both directions. And ignoring a stop sign is also dangerous.
anonymous
Except that you have to stop and check with a stop sign, just like you have to stop and check when turning right on red.
Your argument is ridiculous for two reasons:
1. You don't just blow straight through a red light/stop sign
2. Lights are installed in intersections where it is impossible to tell if the road is clear from both sides. That's not the case with right turns. You only have to check one side for cars.
Regardless, traffic lights suck and should all be replaced with roundabouts.