Kayla Kinsey
Opinion Editor
On Jan. 1, jaywalking was legalized in California, but only if there is no oncoming traffic or immediate chance of collision with a motor vehicle or bike, per Vehicle Code 21955 VC. However, the new law calls for both drivers and walkers to be alert and cautious when crossing streets to ensure the safety of both parties.
Before the new year, jaywalking, or pedestrians entering roadways without warrant, was punishable by a $250 fine and by possible detainment. Currently, it is legal to cross streets under certain circumstances where the road is free of vehicles. The new California jaywalking law will necessitate increased alertness to ensure pedestrian safety.
California State Assembly member Phil Ting authorized the bill, which was then signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. He stated that the main goal of authorizing the bill was to address social injustice in regards to jaywalking and racially motivated infractions. According to ABC News, African-Americans were three to five times more likely to be cited for jaywalking in Los
Angeles and Long Beach. Modifying this law with the primary intent to address racial prejudice demonstrates the state’s incompetence when attempting to solve social issues. By legalizing jaywalking, assembly members are putting both drivers and pedestrians in danger.
According to a report on pedestrian traffic fatalities made in 2018 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas. For Manhattan Beach residents, it is imperative that road safety is the utmost priority and the modification of the law is not abused, especially in an urban area. According to the Governors Highway Safety
Association, in 2022, U.S. Pedestrian fatalities reached their highest level in 40 years. By the end of 2022, drivers struck and killed an estimated 7,485 pedestrians. This increasing death toll underscores the urgent need for a multi-layered approach to protect people from dangerous driving. Legalizing jaywalking in California may cause this death toll to continue to rise.
According to Arizona State University’s Center for Problem-Oriented Policies, one reason why police may have been reluctant to enforce jaywalking violations is the potential allegations of racial profiling. Although citing people purely based on their ethnicity is racist and immoral, eradicating the jaywalking law will not fix the racial profiling issue in the U.S. and could lead to
more pedestrian-related fatalities.
The modification of the jaywalking law underscores deeply- rooted racial issues. Furthermore, the policy unnecessarily calls for both drivers and pedestrians to be more aware on roads to avoid accidents.
Leave a Reply