The holiday season brings cheer, holiday parties, and a significant increase in car accidents. When we get swept up by the holidays, we must remind ourselves to go slow and be mindful of our driving habits. The frustration and stress of the holidays can cause us to forget crucial new laws that have been passed and can cause drivers to face the consequences during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.
Distracted Driving Laws
It’s not just dangerous to touch a phone while driving, but illegal. With the passing of Assembly Bill 1785, also known as the “Put Your Phone Down, Just Drive” Campaign, it cracks down on distracted driving. You are three times more likely to get into a car crash when trying to text while driving.
California’s distracted driver laws cover:
- How the phone can be mounted on your dashboard
- You can only tap or swipe the screen once while driving to deactivate or activate a feature
- You cannot use an electronic device while stopped at a stop light
In an attempt to entice California drivers to focus on the roads, these new laws also come with new penalties. You could face increasing fines and points on your driver's license if you are caught driving while distracted.
Pedestrian Safety Enhancements
Visibility is better during the day, which inspired California's new “daylighting” bill. Assembly Bill 413, also known as the daylighting law, was passed to improve pedestrian safety at intersections.
The key points of this bill:
- Prohibits cars from parking or stopping within 20 feet of any crosswalk
- On one way streets, 20 feet from the crosswalk is a no parking zone
- Local governments can start to paint these 20 foot zones red
These changes will come with warnings as drivers get used to the changes and then will move on to citations.
Changes to Bicycle Laws
Bicyclists are afforded extra protections from cars that attempt to block the bicycle lane with some bills that were passed. When bicycle lanes are blocked by parked vehicles, they must decide if they can get onto the sidewalk and face fines for entering pedestrian traffic or the road where they could be hit by car traffic. Now, the state can enforce cars blocking the bike lanes with cameras that can report parked cars or traffic violations.
Bicycles have also been allowed a slight change in their traffic movements. With an assembly bill known as the OmniBike Bill, bikes can now cross intersections in California when the pedestrian walk signal is on. This bill has passed many advancements for bicyclists, with the key points being:
- Crossing intersections with the pedestrian signal
- Drivers must change lanes to pass if it is safe to do so
- Cities are no longer allowed to require bicycle licenses
- Extends the Three Feet for Safety Act
Understanding the rules bicyclists have on the road is vital for vehicle drivers so that no one is making any traffic movements that will surprise each other and potentially cause an accident. Increased bicyclist protections were a top priority for California’s new traffic laws as they are some of the most vulnerable on the road.
Other Notable Changes
Since 1988, low-riding cruising has been banned, and with the support of so many Californians, this culturally significant legislation has been passed into law. Any previous regulations against low-rider cruising have been voided as of January 1, 2024.
Drivers are familiar with redlight cameras that monitor intersections for traffic violations, but Assembly Bill 645 launched a pilot program for some California counties that will allow those cameras to capture speeding. Enforcing speeding laws with these cameras will bring drivers fines and penalties based on how fast they were going through the intersection.
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident, you should always ensure that you work with a skilled car accident attorney for guidance and help in building your case. A private car accident attorney will be your best chance to provide a skilled defense or ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you should:
- Call the authorities
- Seek medical care
- Document the scene
- Exchange information with other drivers
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact information
- Hire a car accident attorney
- Inform your insurance
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you have the right to work with an experienced legal team to compensate you for your damages and injuries. At Injured 661, we proudly represent injury victims throughout the Santa Clarita area to help reduce the financial strain in the aftermath of a car accident.
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Santa Clarita
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident, you need a car accident attorney who can provide you with tenacious representation to maximize your recovery. Car accidents can leave you with mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, and property damage that can impact your financial security, but it doesn’t have to.
At Injured 661, we can explain your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Without an experienced attorney to evaluate your case, you will likely leave money on the table and not consider the impact the accident can have on your financial future. Don’t settle for less. Contact Injured 661 today so you can focus on your recovery while our attorneys fight for your compensation.
