Drivers need to watch how near they park to unmarked crosswalks

CROSSWALK SAFETY

California drivers should double-check where they park this year as a new law on the books has created a no-parking buffer around marked and unmarked pedestrian crosswalks.

Drivers are typically not allowed to park their vehicles in the middle of an intersection, on a crosswalk, in front of marked curbs, in a way that blocks access to fire hydrants or too close to a fire station entrance, among other prohibited parking spots.

Now drivers will need to consider the areas around crosswalks as no-park zones, because of the law that went into effect at the start of the year.

Assembly Bill 413 prohibits the stopping, standing or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present.

Drivers will need to get into the habit of leaving a 20-foot gap between their vehicle and any marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Assembly Bill 413 does not specify what constitutes an unmarked crosswalk and whether that applies to a sidewalk curb or ramp.

In Leisure World, sidewalk curbing at marked crosswalks is painted red.

A study could be needed to see if LW’s red zones at crosswalks comply with this new bill, according to GRF Senior Director of Facilities Mark Weaver.

California’s pedestrian fatality rate is nearly 25% higher than the national average, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.