The California car accident attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE are pleased to note that the Transportation Department has released a comprehensive update to a rather outdated manual, which sets the standards for road safety throughout the country. The document, which is titled the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), is the national standard for all traffic control devices such as traffic signs, pavement markings and traffic signals. This is the first and most comprehensive update made to this manual since 2003.
New Roadway Standards
This year's edition features several new and updated requirements. The new standard requires replacing highway signs with brighter, larger and more legible one that are easier to read and comprehend while moving at freeway speeds. It also calls for changing the formula used to calculate crosswalk times to give walkers more time and having clearer indication that drivers can turn left after yielding to any opposing traffic. The new standards also require adding overhead lane-use control signs to reduce confusion among drivers in unfamiliar multi-lane roadways.
I'm pleased to note that federal officials have made these updates. These new standards will go a long way to prevent pedestrian accidents, car accidents and other collisions that can be avoided with clearer markings and better signage. A number of devastating accidents occur because of inadequate or poor signage. These new standards will hopefully help reduce the incidence of such crashes and collisions.
Dangerous Roadway Conditions Injure Californians
The personal injury attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE have represented a number of accident victims, who have suffered serious injuries because of dangerous and defective roadways. If you have been injured as a result of a dangerous roadway condition, please remember that you have legal rights. Victims and their families would be well-advised to contact a reputed personal injury firm that has successfully handled such cases.
California’s Government Code section 835 provides that a public entity or governmental agency is liable for damages to an injured person or his or her family because of a condition of public property when the injured person proves that there was a dangerous condition on the public property at the time of injury; the injury was caused by the dangerous condition; or if the dangerous condition created a "foreseeable risk of injury of the kind that occurred. In California, any claim against a governmental agency must be properly filed within six months of the accident or injury.
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
SLS Consulting