Are Speed Cameras California’s Answer to Rising Pedestrian Deaths?
California has been increasingly dangerous for pedestrians. California saw a 9.3% increase from 2020 to 2021. The implementation of speed cameras in California aims to help curb the rising number of traffic accidents and fatalities on the roads.
Preventing traffic deaths means making changes to the entire traffic system. By enforcing speed limits more effectively, these cameras can deter drivers from driving at excessive speeds, reducing the likelihood of traffic collisions.
California Pedestrian Accident Statistics
Pedestrian accidents in California have reached alarming levels in recent years. According to recent statistics, California consistently ranks among the top 10 most dangerous states for pedestrians with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), revealed that California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average. There were 1,108 pedestrian fatalities in 2021, which is a 9.3% increase from 2020.
Traffic deaths have been on the rise due to factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield to pedestrians. Speed cameras could play a crucial role in improving pedestrian safety by encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits.
What is Assembly Bill 645?
Assembly Bill 645, also known as the speed camera pilot program, is the introduction of speed cameras in California. This new law authorizes local authorities to install and operate automated speed enforcement systems to detect and issue tickets to speeding motorists. The goal of these speed cameras is to enhance road safety and reduce the prevalence of speed-related accidents and fatalities.
The speed cameras will use photography only, and no video. They will only collect license plate data and will not take pictures of faces.
2024 Speed Cameras: Where Will They Be Located?
The speed pilot program will be launched in six California cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Long Beach, Glendale, and Oakland. These cameras will be installed in high-risk areas for pedestrians including school zones, high-injury intersections, and known street racing corridors.
The speed cameras will be placed in communities of all income levels, not clustered in one or a few areas. By leveraging technology to monitor vehicle speeds, authorities aim to catch speeding drivers.
How Expensive Will the Tickets Be?
Violators caught by these cameras may face fines or other penalties for speeding. The bill will enforce speed limits and impose the following fines:
- $50 fine for going 11-15 mph over the posted speed limit
- $100 fine for going 16 to 25 mph over the speed limit
- $200 fine for going 25 mph or more over the speed limit
- $500 for going 100 mph or more
When Will the Cameras Go Live?
The timeline for the activation of speed cameras in California varies by jurisdiction. The pilot program can start as soon as 2024. The results must be collected and reported after a 5-year period. As the rollout progresses, motorists can anticipate increased enforcement of speed limits through the deployment of these cameras.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
In light of the alarming rates of pedestrian accidents, drivers and pedestrians need to prioritize road safety. Here are some pedestrian safety tips:
- Always use designated crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Remain vigilant and avoid distractions.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night.
- Follow traffic signals and pedestrian signs to navigate intersections safely.
How Can a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Here’s how a pedestrian accident lawyer can help your personal injury case:
- Legal expertise: Specialized knowledge of pedestrian laws, local laws, and personal injury litigation.
- Meticulous investigation: Thorough gathering of compelling evidence to support your case.
- Negotiation: Negotiating for fair compensation with insurance companies.
- Strategic legal advocacy: Legal representation in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
- Maximizing compensation: Pursuing the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Los Angeles Auto Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a Los Angeles traffic accident caused by someone else’s negligence, our legal team is here to help. We specialize in representing personal injury victims and fighting for the compensation they deserve.
At Alpha Accident Lawyers our team of experienced auto accident lawyers is dedicated to helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve. We proudly maintain a 99% success rate and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
