Long Beach is one of the most heavily populated counties in the United States.
Los Angeles County had over 10 million residents as of the 2020 census. Car accidents are relatively common in such a densely populated area. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Los Angeles County recorded 88,814 car accident fatalities and injuries in 2019.
Long Beach alone reported 3,113 traffic fatalities and injuries. Among the other California cities with similar-sized populations, it ranks fifth in the number of deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents.
If you drive on the roads of Long Beach, you should be aware of the following rules to save yourself from being another statistic of these terrible accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a primary cause of traffic accidents in California.
The California Vehicle Code is the primary legal authority for vehicle code enforcement in California (CVC). All cities base their speed limits on the basic speed law, which states,
“No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” Local governments use engineering and traffic surveys to set speed limits. Such surveys must include examining roadway conditions, collision records, and sampling traffic speeds.
Section 14 of the Laws and Rules of the Road prescribes some guidelines for drivers. Some of these rules are as follows:
Business or Residential Districts
A 25-mph restriction applies unless indicated otherwise on the road.
Near Animals
If you see a sign with an animal image, watch for possible animals in or near the roadway. Slow down and proceed with caution if you see animals or livestock near the road. Follow the instructions of the person in charge of the animals. Slow down or stop if you see a stray animal in your path. If you swerve, you risk losing control of your vehicle and causing an accident. Animals are unpredictable and may run into the roadway if they make sudden movements.
Near Streetcars, Trolleys, or Buses
When it is safe to pass, the passing speed limit is no more than 10 mph. This speed limit is in effect when a peace officer or traffic signal light controls traffic and stops a streetcar, trolley, or bus. Raised buttons or markers designate a pedestrian safety zone on the road. Safety zones are most common in areas where street cars or trolleys share the road with vehicles.
Intersections with Blind Spots
A blind intersection has a speed limit of 15 mph. Suppose there are no stop signs at any corner, and you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing. In that case, the intersection is considered “blind.” If your view is obscured, proceed slowly until you can see.
Around Children
Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 25 mph when driving within 500 to 1,000 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. Also, if the school grounds are unfenced and children are present, never exceed 25 mph. Speed limits in some school zones may be as low as 15 mph.
Make informed legal decisions.
Distracted Driving
Driving while using a cell phone is dangerous and illegal.
It is unlawful in California to use a cell phone or other electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. It can only be used in a hands-free mode, such as speakerphone or voice commands, and never while held. It is also illegal for any driver under 18 to use a cell phone for any reason.
The California Office of Traffic Safety launched the public awareness and education campaign “Put Your Phone Down. Just Drive.” It aims at the younger generation and smartphone users, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 24. It is similar to the “Silence the Distraction” campaign, which began in 2015.
When driving distracted, the youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk. The campaign emphasizes that using an app, shuffling through music or playing videos, and looking at social media, maps, or photos can all be distracting.
When driving, they are all dangerous and illegal, and the safest thing drivers can do is put down their phones and drive.
Seatbelts
Seatbelts are essential for every driver. But it plays an important role in protecting vulnerable occupants like children.
Children between eight and sixteen should be secure in their seats with an appropriate safety belt. Children under eight who are less than 4 feet, 9 inches tall must be restrained in a passenger restraint system that meets federal safety standards. An appropriate safety belt may secure those 4 feet, 9 inches tall or taller.
These are some laws and rules to prevent car accidents in Long Beach. Being a law-abiding driver can protect you from physical injuries as well as property damage. These rules may seem basic but could end up saving your life!