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California Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bill for Driverless Cars

By Kelly Balamuth on October 1, 2012

A new bill drafted by Senator Alex Padilla and signed by Governor Jerry Brown on September 25 at Google Headquarters may advance Golden State residents into the future and pave the way for self-driving vehicles. As reported by PDDNet.com, the new bill will establish safety and performance regulations to test and operate driverless vehicles on the roads and highways of California. Google Inc. has been developing self-driving vehicles, also known as autonomous car technology, and lobbying for regulations, and the company’s small fleet of a dozen computer-controlled motor vehicles has logged more than 300,000 miles of self-driving without an accident.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin believes that autonomous vehicles can make roads safer, reduce congestion on California roads, free commuters from the “drudgery of driving,” and also provide a means of transport for individuals unable to get behind the wheel, such as the blind, disabled, or elderly. Brin adds that he expects “self-driving cars will be safer than human-driven cars.” The Google co-founder explains that the company has no plans to produce their own vehicles, but will instead partner with the automobile industry to develop autonomous vehicles.

Brin predicts that driverless vehicles will be commercially available in the next 10 years. The new legislation requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles to draft regulations for autonomous vehicles by January 1, 2015. The regulations would allow for vehicles to be operated autonomously, but a licensed driver would still need to sit behind the wheel to serve as a backup operator in case of an emergency.

While this new legislative bill may help advance autonomous vehicle technology, the best way to keep California roads safe for years to come is for drivers to make responsible choices when behind the wheel. The auto accident lawyers of Balamuth Law understand that traffic accidents are likely to happen, and if you have been harmed as the result of another’s negligence, our experienced legal team will ensure you receive the compensation you need for any accident-related losses. To discuss your accident claim with us, call (888) 254-1234.

Avoid a St. Patrick’s Day Accident: Follow These Tips

By Kelly Balamuth on March 15, 2012

This coming Saturday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day – a popular holiday for those who enjoy kicking back, hanging out with friends, and drinking a glass or two of green beer. While the parties can be plenty of fun, causing or being involved in a drunk driving crash is never a good way to end any holiday, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. If you’re planning to head out for a party this weekend, consider taking a few of the following steps to avoid turning your fun into a tragedy.

First, plan ahead. Choose a designated driver or plan a way to get home that doesn’t require you getting behind the wheel. Taxis, public transportation, sober-ride hotlines, riding with a sober friend, or even walking can all help prevent a serious crash. Let someone you trust know where you’ll be going and approximately when you expect to be home.

While you’re partying, show designated drivers some love by offering to pick up a tab or sending them a non-alcoholic drink or snack. Respecting designated drivers encourages them to keep up the habit – making everyone a little bit safer.

If you see someone who has had one drink (or more) too many, don’t be afraid to stop them from driving until you’re sure they have a sober way to get home. If you see a possibly drunk driver, contact local police and alert them of the incident. Simply keeping your eyes peeled may help prevent a serious crash.

It only takes one accident with a drunk driver to change a person’s life forever – and often that person is not the one who chose to drive drunk. At Balamuth Law, our dedicated Walnut Creek auto accident lawyers have spent years representing those who have suffered injuries in car accidents and other crashes. For a free, confidential consultation, call our office today at (888) 254-1234.