California is set to implement a groundbreaking law designed to enhance pedestrian safety at intersections across the state. The new legislation, known as AB413 or the "daylighting" law, will prohibit parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, marked or unmarked, to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
What the Law Entails
The daylighting law will make it illegal for both personal and commercial vehicles to park or stop within 20 feet of crosswalks throughout California. This regulation applies to all curbs, regardless of whether they are marked with red stripes or not. The primary goal is to clear the range of vision for approaching drivers, allowing them to spot pedestrians more easily.
Implementation and Enforcement
While the law has been passed, enforcement won't begin until January 1, 2025. This grace period allows cities and municipalities time to prepare and educate residents about the new rules. Some cities, like San Diego, have already begun red-striping curbs in various neighborhoods to indicate no-parking zones near crosswalks.
When enforcement begins, parking authorities will initially issue warnings for a couple of months before transitioning to citations. The cost of violations will vary depending on the jurisdiction where the infraction occurs.
Motivation Behind the Law
The impetus for this new regulation stems from a concerning trend of increased pedestrian fatalities over the past decade. Jeremy Bloom, Interim CEO of Circulate San Diego, explains, "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."
Impact on California Residents
As this law takes effect, California residents can expect to see changes in their local parking landscape. Drivers will need to be more mindful of where they park near intersections, even if the curbs are not visibly marked. While this may initially cause some inconvenience, the potential to save lives and reduce pedestrian accidents is the driving force behind this legislative change.
The daylighting law represents a proactive step towards creating safer streets for all Californians, prioritizing the protection of pedestrians in an era of increasing vehicle sizes and traffic speeds.