Recently reported by the Modesto Bee, the Modesto, California police department stated that there have already been 17 serious accidents between cars and bicycles or pedestrians their city this year. Each of these accidents involved a severe injury or death. In San Diego, with a population six times that of Modesto, more and more people are taking to the roads as nonmotorists (such as bicyclists and pedestrians) due to health, economic and environmental reasons. This means that an increase in car-bicycle and car-pedestrian accidents seems a strong possibility. Often these accidents could be prevented, but unfortunately and too frequently people are choosing to ignore traffic rules and commonsense.
In San Diego, the number of motor vehicle accidents is making it evident that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and automobile drivers need to figure out how to share the road. To do this, everyone needs to follow traffic safety laws and guidelines.
California Traffic Safety Laws and Guidelines
- A pedestrian in a crosswalk always has the right of way
- If a pedestrian is not in a crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles
- Bicyclists on the street or highway always have the right of way
- Cyclists should always wear a helmet
- Cyclists must follow vehicle laws: stop at stop signs, yield to oncoming traffic and signal turns
- Automobile drivers need to be aware of bikes and people on the road
- Automobile drivers need to give the right of way to pedestrians and bicycles as required
- Vehicle drivers must also follow vehicle laws: stop at stop signs, yield to oncoming traffic including cyclists and signal turns
Traffic safety laws and guidelines are intended to keep us all safer as we move about San Diego each day.
Even when diligently following traffic safety laws and guidelines, accidents may still occur. In the event that you are a bicyclist or pedestrian injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Speak to a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and holding the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
