California constantly aims to perfect regulations in order to protect the health and safety of its citizens. The start of the new year on January 1 marked a slew of these regulations coming into effect. From smartphone users to motorcycle riders to parents of toddlers, the new laws affect a broad swathe of the population. Failing to abide by the laws can not only put you in potential harm’s way, but it can also hurt the case of someone trying to pursue or defend against a car accident personal injury claim.
Learn more about the latest driving laws in California, including how they can affect liability in a car accident situation, by reading on.
Smartphone GPS Users Must Mount Phones While Driving
The law that is most likely to affect a majority of California drivers concerns use of cellphones and smartphones while driving. In 2012, California laws banned the handheld use of a smartphone for all purposes save one: navigating with the phone’s GPS feature. Now, that loophole is closed as all handheld uses for a smartphone are banned outright.
Drivers can still use their smartphone’s GPS systems as long as the phone is mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard or on the far lower corners of the windshield. The driver’s view of the road cannot be obstructed by center-mounted devices. Drivers also cannot use more than one finger to touch or swipe the screen.
Lane Splitting Formally Legalized
The practice of lane splitting — where motorcycles are able to briefly share a lane with cars while passing — has long been tolerated in California but never fully regulated or legalized.
That all changed when Calif. legislators finally put rules in place allowing for the safe, regulated use of lane splitting while moving through traffic. Under the new law, operators of two-wheeled vehicles can lane split as long as they are not moving more than 15 mph faster than traffic or more than 50 mph total. Vehicles with three wheels or more are prohibited from deliberately obstructing a viable lane spit pathway.
While lane splitting is somewhat controversial, a majority of advocacy groups and legislators agree that when done in controlled conditions, it can actually have safety benefits for motorcycle drivers.
New Inspection Rules for Buses
A number of devastating and deadly bus crashes in recent years have prompted the Calif. Legislature to increase the frequency and veracity of inspections for all tour buses and charter buses.
In another law affecting bus drivers and riders, all school buses must now abide by a mandatory procedure checking for children left inside the bus at the end of their route.
Children Under 2 Must Sit in Rear-Facing Seat
A revision to existing child seat safety laws now requires children to ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of two. Exceptions can be made for children 40 inches tall or taller or who weigh over 40 pounds.
Drivers are advised to also check the height and weight recommendations listed by the seat manufacturer.
Claiming Damages from Violators of Latest Driving Laws in California
When you are injured in a car accident, you can claim damages against the other driver or their insurer in order to recover the costs like medical care and suffering related to your injury. When backing up these claims, proving that the other driver violated laws like the above can strengthen your case.
On the other hand, violating these laws yourself at the moment of a collision can make your claim more difficult to prove.
In either instance, a knowledgeable San Francisco car accident attorney can help assemble the facts of the case and assert your claim with their experience and skill. You can contact the Gruber Law Group today to discuss your options for recovery over a free consultation.
Leave a Reply