LOS ANGELES (August 02, 2016) — Seven months after several new traffic laws were implemented in California, two fatal Orange County roadway accidents involving pedestrians are raising questions about whether the regulations are actually reducing the number of crashes and fatalities. Both accident victims were teenagers, according to reports.

Just after midnight on July 25, a 17-year-old male was struck while standing on the side of Beach Boulevard, sources indicate. He was reportedly inspecting the vehicle he was riding in, which had become disabled, when he was hit by a northbound vehicle driven by a 21-year-old male. The victim was then transported to UC Irvine Medical Center where he died at about 7:00 a.m.

Two days later, also on Beach Boulevard, a 16-year-old male was walking on the sidewalk near the intersection of Katella Avenue when a vehicle left the road and struck the young man. He died from injuries sustained in the crash shortly after the incident. It was not clear why the vehicle left the road, officers on the scene reportedly said they did not believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash. The suspect was not identified, and reports indicate that charges had not been filed as of July 28.

Legal professionals with Pacific Attorney Group say that, since neither of the accidents was a hit-and-run, Law AB8, which allows for Yellow Alerts and digital message signs to be used when searching for a suspect's vehicle, does not apply to either case.

Since impaired driving is not suspected in either crash, law SB61 will likely not come in to play either. The pilot program implemented in four California counties, including Los Angeles, requires the installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in all vehicles driven by those with previous DUI convictions.

Both AB8 and SB61 became law on January 1, 2016. There is hope among lawmakers and California residents that law AB8 may deter hit-and-run incidents, but its impact thus far is unclear. Data regarding the frequency of motor vehicle accidents and any possible impact the new laws may have on reducing roadway deaths will likely not be available for several years, according to Pacific Attorney Group.
About Pacific Attorney Group

Based in Los Angeles, Pacific Attorney Group has been a leader in dedicated representation for victims of motor vehicle accidents since 2000. Between 2008 and 2010, our attorneys recovered more than $5 in settlements and verdicts for our clients. For more information, call 1-800-358-9617.

Contact:
Pacific Attorney Group
1-800-358-9617

Sources:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/car-723715-teen-office.html?obref=obinsite
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/area-723886-car-pedestrian.html