According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California drivers failing to come to a complete stop is a significant issue in this state. In California, pedestrian accidents claim the lives of more than 700 individuals in an average year, and more than half of those accidents involved a motorist turning right on a red light.
Thousands of pedestrians are believed to have been hurt in similar incidents, albeit these numbers are only approximations since not all pedestrians report minor injuries. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have been injured in a pedestrian accident or have lost a loved one in this type of accident.
A new law that could revolutionize everything is up for vote
The current California Vehicle Code mandates that before turning right at a red light, cars must come to a complete stop. Many drivers do not, though. This is a problem because, although having the right of way, pedestrians are in grave risk if automobiles do not stop.
New legislation would reduce fines for those who roll through red lights. As of right now, there are no opponents to the law, and the state senate is poised to adopt it in its entirety. The bill was sponsored because so many people were complaining about receiving red light camera charges for failing to stop completely at red lights.
Potentially disastrous for pedestrians is this new law
The safety of Californians on the road, whether they are drivers or pedestrians, is something that we at the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas take very seriously. Despite its good intentions, this new bill may have some grave drawbacks. The bill’s sloppy language is the fundamental problem. The new legislation requires drivers to “exercise caution” when turning right on a red light, as opposed to the present vehicle code, which mandates that they must stop at a red light before turning.
Safety advocates do not inherently oppose the bill’s principle, but they believe that it needs to be more precise because failing to do so may be extremely harmful for pedestrians. If a driver hits a person, they can simply roll through a red light and say they were being cautious.
California may be particularly harmed by this rule
Living a healthier lifestyle has always been a source of pride for Californians. This includes going for walks, bike rides, or ice skating outside. To encourage motorcyclists to use the roadways, additional bike lanes are continually being created around the state. Now that this bill has been written carelessly, the number of pedestrian deaths in California could increase.
Have you been hurt while walking on the street?
You have the right to file a claim for compensation if you were hurt while walking. Get a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer by calling Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We are here to assist you at every step of the way. We take cases on contingency, so if we are unable to obtain compensation for you, you will not be required to pay anything.
