Finding a parking spot in Southern California can be difficult, particularly in congested areas such as downtown LA, Hollywood, and Koreatown. When drivers require temporary or overnight parking, they frequently use the driving lanes. However, a new law in California aims to change that. It aims to prevent drivers from parking too close to crosswalks, allowing drivers and pedestrians to see each other better. Supporters of this theory refer to it as ‘daylighting’.
Pedestrian deaths in California are higher than in most other states
According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, daylighting is 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.” The California Legislative Information website says that “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.”
Supporters of the measure also pointed out that comparable regulations exist in over 40 states. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, pedestrian deaths in California are higher than in most other states. The number of pedestrian fatalities increased from 1,013 to 1,108 during 2020 and 2021. However, the number of bicyclists who perished decreased from 136 to 125. According to city officials, 134 pedestrians were injured and killed by automobiles in Los Angeles between January and October of last year. 427 persons were severely injured. They reported a 13% rise in the number of pedestrian deaths over the previous year. There was an 18% increase in the number of those who were seriously hurt.
