What maneuver is essential when turning right at a red light?

When turning right at a red light, the essential maneuver involves ensuring that it is safe to proceed and checking for pedestrians. This is crucial because even if the light is red, drivers must yield to pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection. Confirming that the road is clear of other vehicles and that pedestrians have either cleared the crosswalk or are not present is important for the safety of everyone involved.

This aspect of traffic law emphasizes the responsibility of drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, not only for their own safety but also for the safety of others. Without this careful assessment, a driver may inadvertently create a hazardous situation. The focus on evaluating safety before making the turn aligns with the broader principles of defensive driving, reinforcing the importance of caution at intersections.

The other options do not adequately address the requisite safety checks. Speeding to avoid delays disregards traffic laws and can endanger others. Stopping only if another car is present could lead to overlooking pedestrians, and while using turn signals is important for communication, it does not directly address the critical safety checks necessary before executing the turn.