Governor Brown vetoes new bicycle safety legislation.
Governor Brown recently chose to veto bicycle safety legislation based on concerns that it may actually increase the number of bicycle-related car accidents.
The pending legislation would have required drivers to give bicyclists a minimum of 3 feet while passing or reduce their speed to 15 mph to minimize the risk of a high-speed collision. The bill's author, state Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), had hoped that the new legislation would expand the current bicycle safety laws and reduce the risk of serious injury or death among California bicyclists.
Citing concerns raised by the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans, the governor chose to veto the bill on the grounds that forcing drivers to significantly reduce their speed could actually increase the number of rear-end collisions and cause unnecessary traffic jams. The bill had been widely supported by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and professional cyclist Armstrong.
While the new bicycle safety legislation was vetoed, the need for enhanced safety practices is evident based on the number of bicycle accidents occurring each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 630 bicyclists were killed on U.S. roads in 2009. Approximately 51,000 bicyclists were treated for injuries related to traffic accidents in the same year. California ranked as one of the leading states for bicycle accident fatalities, with 99 deaths alone. The majority of injuries and deaths occurred along the roadway rather than at traffic intersections.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or was killed as a result of a bicycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else was at fault. A driver who causes a collision by speeding, driving recklessly or driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be held responsible for the injuries they inflict.
A qualified California bicycle accident attorney can assist you in proving your liability claim and helping you get the compensation you're entitled to. Depending on the extent of the injuries, you or your loved may require long-term hospitalization, extensive surgeries, physical therapy and expensive medications. If you're unable to work, the loss of income paired with high medical bills can be devastating for your family.
Our expert team of bicycle accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you win your case while allowing you to focus 100% on your recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered the pain of a bicycle accident, don't hesitate to call us today at 1-800-718-4658. Our Injury Hotline is available 24 hours a day and we are eager to discuss the details of your case. Our initial consultation is free and we collect no fee unless we win a money judgment on your behalf.
