Oceanside, California – In an effort to enhance safety and prevent accidents at intersections, California will soon implement a new law known as “daylighting.” This law aims to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers by creating a buffer zone of 20 feet around crosswalks, prohibiting parking in these areas. The legislation is expected to save lives and reduce pedestrian collisions in the state.
The necessity for this law became apparent when Oceanside resident, Lolys Leos, and her son narrowly avoided being hit by a car while crossing the street near their coastal home. Due to a parked car obstructing the crosswalk, the driver failed to see the pedestrian and almost caused a tragic accident. This incident serves as a prime example of the rising number of pedestrian collisions in the area.
Pedestrian safety has become a growing concern in Oceanside, as mentioned by Oceanside Police Sergeant Clint Bussey. He emphasized that pedestrian injuries and fatalities are unfortunately common, with the pedestrian almost always suffering the consequences in collisions with vehicles. The combination of a bustling city, an increase in tourists, and a lack of visibility between pedestrians and drivers has contributed to this alarming trend.
Sergeant Bussey firmly believes that the implementation of the daylighting law in January 2025 will play a crucial role in saving lives. Until then, Oceanside and other communities are taking steps to educate drivers about the importance of maintaining clear lines of sight at intersections, regardless of painted crosswalks.
California is not the first state to adopt such a law. Other states have already implemented daylighting legislation and have found it to be effective in preventing accidents. Alarmingly, pedestrian fatalities in California are reported to be 25% higher than in other states, as evidenced by statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
With the imminent enforcement of the daylighting law approaching, Californians hope to see a significant reduction in intersection accidents and pedestrian injuries. This initiative aims to create safer streets by ensuring that pedestrians and drivers can see one another clearly, even without marked crosswalks. By prioritizing visibility in this manner, California seeks to protect lives and foster a more secure environment for all road users.