A number of new California traffic safety laws are due to go into effect this year or in the next couple of years. These laws target some of the key concerns of Southern California car accident lawyers, including bicycle safety.
One such law, which went into take effect in January this year, prohibits novice motorists below the age of 18 from using any electronic wireless devices for reading or sending text messages while at the wheel. Motorists below the age of 18 are prevented from using such devices, even if the vehicle comes equipped with hands-free in-car communication technology. The law is meant to reduce the risk of distracted driving involving novice drivers who may be at the highest risk of distractions and distracted driving accidents.
Another law that was passed last year and will go into effect on January 1, 2016, requires any limousine that has been modified to accommodate more passengers to be equipped with two rear doors as well as one or two rear emergency windows which are internally removable. All limousines that are manufactured after January 1, 2015 are required to meet these new requirements.
Another important law that was passed in 2013 and which goes into effect this year is related to bicycling safety. For years now, bicyclists have been at risk from drivers who drive too close to a bicyclist when they pass them by. The new law requires motorists passing by a bicyclist, to leave at least 3- feet passing distance when they do so. There must be a minimum of 3 feet of passing distance left between any part of the car and any part of the bicycle. If it is not possible to leave the required 3 feet of space, then the motorist must slow down speeds and only pass the bicyclist when there is no danger to the bicyclist. The new bicycle safety law will go into effect on September 16 this year.
Write a comment: