Among the most dangerous places for anyone on the road are intersections. There is too often a lack of lights, signage and/or crosswalk markings at intersections. There also tends to be a lot of activity – with drivers sometimes realizing at the last minute that they are in the wrong lane to make a safe turn.
Pedestrians and cyclists bear the brunt of the risk at intersections since they are the most exposed. They, along with those in wheelchairs or on scooters, are often unseen by those in vehicles until it is too late.
Key provisions in the law
A state law that takes effect with the new year aims to make intersections safer for everyone by increasing visibility. The law is often referred to as the “daylighting” law, since it is intended to remove blind spots and make intersections more visible – particularly for drivers.
The law prohibits vehicles from parking or stopping anywhere within “20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.” That is the case even when the curb is not painted red or if there is no no-parking signage.
The law does include a provision that allows localities to make some exceptions. For example, it states that a “local authority may permit parking for bicycles or motorized scooters within 20 feet of a crosswalk.”
As the head of one city planning group in San Diego said, the law is needed “because we’ve seen an increase in pedestrian deaths over the past ten years. Part of that is because of larger car sizes, and speed. So, this is just a way to save lives.”
Penalties for violating the law will vary by locality
Initially, drivers who violate the law will be given warnings. Authorities will then begin to issue citations. The penalty for the citation will vary by locality. Some Bay Area cities can be expected to levy costly penalties.
Of course, many collisions involving a vehicle and a pedestrian or a vehicle and a cyclist occur because the driver of the vehicle isn’t following the law or not paying enough attention to what’s going on around them. Because these collisions can be catastrophic for those not in the vehicle, it is important for victims or surviving loved ones to get the compensation they deserve to deal with medical bills and other expenses.