Written By: Chris Dolan and Jeremy Jessup
The California pedestrian safety law is shaping the way drivers and pedestrians navigate roads statewide. Recent data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows a decline in pedestrian deaths across the U.S., with California seeing a major improvement.
After reaching a four-decade high in 2022, the number of pedestrian fatalities in California decreased in 2023. Nationwide, pedestrian deaths dropped by 5.4% in 2023, marking the first decline since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this is a promising development, experts emphasize that more work is needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the road.
Pedestrian Vulnerability on the Roads
Jonathan Adkins, CEO of the GHSA, views this reduction in fatalities as a positive step forward, but stresses the importance of continued efforts. Unlike drivers who benefit from safety features like seat belts and airbags, pedestrians are more vulnerable when traveling on foot or by bike. In California alone, there were 1,108 pedestrian deaths in 2021—a 9.3% increase compared to 2020. This statistic highlights the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures.
California’s New “Daylighting” Parking Law
To further improve pedestrian safety, California has implemented a new “daylighting” parking law. This law, which is now in effect, prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. The goal of this law is to create clearer zones at intersections, enhancing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Unlike previous regulations, the law applies even if there is no red curb or no parking sign present.
While this law aims to improve safety, it has led to the loss of approximately 14,000 parking spots in cities like San Francisco. The full impact of the law will take time to be fully realized, with some cities estimating it could take up to three years to paint all necessary curbs to indicate these new zones. In the meantime, drivers will have to rely on estimating the 20-foot distance from crosswalks, which may lead to some uncertainty.
Impact on Unmarked Crosswalks
It’s also important to note that the daylighting law applies to unmarked crosswalks—areas where pedestrian pathways cross the street without painted lines or signs. These unmarked crosswalks, typically found at intersections, are considered an extension of pedestrian pathways like sidewalks or trails, and now fall under the same regulations as marked crosswalks.
Additional Efforts to Protect Pedestrians
In addition to the daylighting law, safety advocates have been pushing for various strategies to prevent pedestrian deaths. These include implementing reduced speed limits in high-risk areas, increasing sidewalk construction, and improving lighting in pedestrian-heavy zones. Adkins supports a multi-faceted approach to pedestrian safety, stating that a combination of strategies can make the most significant impact.
“We’re seeing a lot of construction across the country that is making roadways safer,” said Adkins. “We’re also working with law enforcement in new and creative ways, exploring vehicle technology, and taking a broader approach to safety in the U.S.”
As these efforts continue to unfold, it’s clear that improving pedestrian safety will require ongoing collaboration between lawmakers, safety advocates, law enforcement, and local communities. With the right combination of measures, we can make our streets safer for everyone.
