California pedestrian accident lawyers want you to know about the new law.
You probably already know about the dangers of distracted driving. However, you might not be aware of the dangers of distracted walking. One Southern California city is cracking down on distracted walking to help prevent pedestrian accidents. Our California pedestrian accident lawyers want you to be aware of the new ordinance in Montclair, CA, a small town just east of Pomona.
Attempting to Solve the Distracted Walking Problem
While it is normal for cities to ban drivers from using their cell phones while driving, it might seem a little unusual to ban walkers from using their phones. However, Montclair’s city leaders acknowledge that distracted walking is just as dangerous as distracted driving. They decided to do something about it.
At the beginning of 2018, they implemented a new ordinance that makes it illegal to cross an intersection while:
- Speaking on a cellphone.
- Viewing a mobile electronic device, which means crossing while viewing content on your cell phone, tablet, iPad, or iPod is prohibited.
- Having earbuds in both ears or having both ears covered by headphones (one earbud in one ear is permitted).
Violators of this new law will face a $100 fine for their first violation. A second violation within 12 months will earn up to a $200 fine. Subsequent violations within 12 months will generate up to a $500 fine.
Why Distracted Walking is So Dangerous
This new law in Montclair only applies to pedestrians crossing intersections. The city chose to act after noticing that several serious pedestrian accidents had a common thread: distracted walking with cellphone use. One accident from 2012 was especially heartbreaking with a teenager becoming seriously and permanently disabled after stepping into a crosswalk while on her phone with both earbuds in.
Regardless where you might live or travel, this law makes a lot of sense. According to the Governors High Safety Association, nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed in 2017 from pedestrian accidents that also included distracted walking incidents. Adults are at risk for pedestrian-vehicle injuries, but children and teens are most at risk.
How To Prevent Pedestrian Accidents
You can reduce your and your family’s risk of being in a pedestrian accident. The most important thing you can do is to always be aware of your surroundings and:
- Always cross at an intersection and stay within the crosswalk.
- If no sidewalks are available, walk close to the side of the road while facing traffic.
- Do not allow children under the age of 10 to cross the street by themselves.
- Wear light colored clothing while walking at night.
- Do not walk while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
California Pedestrian Accident Lawyers Will Fight for You
Whether you are a pedestrian that has been injured or a driver who is injured because of a negligent pedestrian, you have rights. Insurance may not fully cover your medical bills, time off from work and other expenses.
The California pedestrian accident lawyers at California Injury Attorneys will fight for your right for compensation. We offer free consultations to discuss your case. Our Los Angeles office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. However, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call at (323) 999-HELP.