The last decade has seen changes and innovations in many aspects of life across the United States. San Francisco has seen some significant changes in the field of transportation alone. For better or worse, the situation on the city’s streets looks much different now than it did 10 years ago.
However, the changes have not occurred all at once. They have typically developed gradually over time, so that you may not have noticed right away. However, drivers who fail to adapt to the new normal may find themselves in need of a traffic ticket lawyer San Francisco for running afoul of the law while on the road.
Here are some of the most significant ways that driving in San Francisco has changed over the last decade.
1. Drunk Driving
Overall, the incidence of DUIs has decreased over the years nationwide. However, the average number of drivers with a DUI in San Francisco is higher than the average for the United States as a whole. Nearly a quarter of all adults in San Francisco, 24%, admit to excess drinking. Those accused of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated may require the services of a DUI lawyer in California.
2. More Congestion
There are more vehicles on the road in San Francisco than ever before. This is despite the fact that per capita vehicle registration has decreased by 3% since 2010. Overall population in San Francisco has seen a significant increase in the past decade, and the total number of vehicles registered in the city has seen a 6% increase as a result. Another reason for the increase of cars on the road is that more people are driving their cars into San Francisco from outside the city.
Whatever the reasons for the increase in volume, more cars on the road makes accidents more likely.
3. Ride-Hailing Options
Part of the reason for the increase of vehicles on the road is because of the launch of ride-hailing services. Companies like Uber and Lyft, still in their nascent stages at the beginning of this decade, have since swelled in popularity, providing San Francisco residents with an estimated 170,000 rides per day.
In addition to these services, San Francisco is also one of the few cities in the country where you can hire a ride from an automated vehicle with services such as Waymo and Cruise.
4. More Alternative Transportation Options
Since 2010, the city has added more public transportation options, including systems like vehicle share and bike share that provide short-term transportation to those in need. Additionally, people are riding their own personal bikes more than ever before. Scooters, particularly powered scooters, have gone from a novelty to a nuisance to a legitimately recognized form of transportation.
With the rise of alternative forms of transportation has come updated infrastructure to accommodate them. For example, as of 2018, the city added 10 miles of bike lanes, at least some of which are protected by concrete buffers to separate them from motor traffic.
The many changes to driving in San Francisco highlight the ways in which it has not changed. There will probably always be a need to fight traffic ticket California. If you find yourself in this situation, it is good to know that there are experienced and dedicated traffic lawyers available.
