California’s new ‘daylighting’ law aims to increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks
Parking is a hot commodity that can be hard to come by in Southern California, especially in urban areas like downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Koreatown. Driving lanes in these areas and others typically double as limited or overnight parking spots for those who need them.
However, a new California law aims to limit how close drivers can park near crosswalks in an effort to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
The safety concept is what advocates refer to as “daylighting.”
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Daylighting is described as a “simple concept that improves safety by removing parked cars next to crosswalks. By keeping the area next to crosswalks clear of parked vehicle obstructions, people walking and driving or riding on the street can see each other better,” according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
“This bill would prohibit the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present, as specified,” the California Legislative Information website stated.
The law, formally known as AB 413, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year and introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose). The new regulation was enacted this year and motorists have a 12-month grace period before violators receive parking tickets.
“Daylighting is a proven way we can make our streets safer for everyone, and 43 other states have already implemented some version of daylighting,” Lee said in a statement. “By making it easier for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to see each other at intersections, we can take a simple and important step to help us all safely share the road.”
Advocates noted that over 40 states have similar laws.
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The latest data from the California Office of Traffic Safety show that pedestrian deaths in the state are 25% higher than the national average. From 2020 to 2021, pedestrian fatalities increased from 1,013 to 1,108. However, bicycle fatalities decreased from 136 to 125.
Last year, from January to October, 134 pedestrians were killed by drivers in Los Angeles and 427 people were severely injured, according to city officials.
The data represents a 13% rise in pedestrians killed in comparison to the previous year and an 18% rise in severe injuries, according to city officials.
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