California Makes Way for Google’s Driverless Cars

Finally, the State of California paved the way for Google’s driverless cars when Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill that would legalize the automated concept cars in the state’s roadways.

The bill, SB 1298, was duly approved last May 21 and was finally signed into law by Governor Brown in the presence in of its author, State Sen. Alex Padilla and Google co-founder, Sergey Brin, at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

The bill is set to take into effect by next year. Also, it was said to establish safety and performance regulations for testing the automated cars on roads across the state. It further requires the California Department of Motor Vehicles to draft regulations by 2015.

According to the new law, there should always be a licensed driver behind the wheel, even though the car is computer–operated, for emergency purposes.

Google driverless car is a combination of technologies. These include radar sensors, video cameras, and artificial-intelligence software that helps steer. At present, Google is the most visible company working on such types of vehicles. However, previous reports claimed that other automakers have been experimenting with the same technology.

So far, Google has claimed that it has safely logged more than 300,000 miles in its cars. Although one of its vehicles was reportedly involved in a minor fender-bender, subsequent reports confirmed that the accident was purely excusable on the part of Google since it was manually-operated during the time of the accident.

Meanwhile, Brin strongly affirmed that said self-driving cars would be a lot safer than those cars driven by humans. He likewise believes that it can really significantly improve the quality of life for everyone. Also, the car is expected to end traffic congestion once it is made commercially available.

Incidentally, the approval of the law came after the State of Nevada passed the same legislation earlier this year. It makes California the second state to allow driverless cars in its roadways. In Florida, a similar move was supposed to be made but the same have just ended up the subject of political debate.

Consequently, a car accident attorney in Los Angeles feels so sorry for the State of Florida. Apparently, they overlooked the chance of significantly reducing car accidents within the state through the use of Google’s cars. 

Porsche: Lohan’s Recent Car Accident Not Caused by Faulty Brakes

When the troubled young actress, Lindsay Lohan crashed her Porsche into an 18-wheeler truck last June 8, she blamed the brakes of her car for the incident.

Allegedly, the brakes of the Porsche that she rented failed to work properly. Actually, right after the incident, Lohan claimed that her assistant was the one driving the car but witnesses affirmed that they saw Lohan coming out of the driver’s seat.

Probably, when Lohan felt like she would be trapped with her initial statement, she then reasoned out that the brakes of the car didn’t work. Since then, she became firm with her statement.

The fact that perhaps slipped out of Lohan’s mind is that Porsche could possibly conduct a follow-up investigation following the incident since its reputation and credibility is being dragged into a controversy.

Apparently, Porsche conducted an investigation together with the Sta. Monica Police Department and after completing a series of tests, the German auto-maker determined that the brakes of Lohan’s car did not really malfunction at the time of the accident.

Now, that is what makes Porsche out of the picture. Most specifically, the German automaker was able to prove that it never really failed to provide safe and quality products to its valued customers.

Lohan’s recent accident occurred while she was filming the movie “Liz and Dick”. Consequently, Lohan was banned from driving until the movie has completed filming. The said directive was probably concerning the insurance policy taken out by the movie’s production company.

Aside from the series of car accidents that Lohan got involved with, she is currently overwhelmed with several issues, particularly family matters when news about her dad Michael Lohan having a baby with his girlfriend Kate Major broke. Also, in Lohan’s drunk driving case, two Beverly Hills judges were said to be disciplined by a California oversight panel for handling Lohan’s case. Definitely, Lohan, as well as her car accident attorney in Los Angeles, is currently having a hard time dealing with the charges set against the young star.

California, Second State to Allow Google Self Driving Car in its Roadways

Last Monday, the California State Senate finally approved the bill allowing Google self-driving cars to be tested on the state’s roadways. Now, the bill is set to go before the assembly next month.

The SB1298 was sponsored by State Senator Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima, and its approval came to light after the state of Nevada allowed the autonomous vehicles to be tested and operated on its roadways.

The bill would allow Google self-driving cars to be tested and operated on California roadways as well. In fact, California is only the second state to give Google self-driving cars a go signal after the search engine giant received a patent for driverless cars last year.

The bill passed unanimously, probably because some of the state senators have already test drove one of Google’s prototype cars.

Below are some quoted information regarding the said bill:

Google Self Driving Car

•    It sets up safety and performance standards for the safe operation of self-driving vehicles on California’s public roads.

•    It allows for the operation of self-driving vehicles on California’s public roads by a licensed driver.

•    It requires that a self-driving vehicle meets all applicable safety standards and performance requirements of both state and federal laws.

•    It allows the Highway Patrol, in consultation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, to recommend to the legislature additional requirements for the safe operation of such vehicles on California’s roadways.





It was actually last year when the said law was approved in Nevada and now after California, Arizona, Hawaii, Florida and Oklahoma are also considering self-driving car legislation.

Although the idea of a computer controlled car may make some people uncomfortable, the technology is bound to stay. Most probably, Google will become the company that manufactures such software that safely sends you home.

Senator Padilla said that human errors are the most common cause of car accidents on roadways. Therefore, if such self-driving vehicles can reduce the number of roadway injuries and traffic fatalities on California roadways, such decision is a matter of safety.

A Los Angeles car accident attorney is particularly pleased with Google’s concept vehicle. So much to consider that the said self-driving car is Google’s first innovation after the huge search engine came out of its nutshell. Google only proves that the company has a lot more to offer to people than just online browsing.

• Several lines from this blog post were quoted from an article written and posted online by Jerry Hirsch of the LA Times as a readers’ ready reference.

Firefighter injured by hit-and-run driver in Laguna Beach

Being a firefighter for 15 years, Luke Perisin has helped countless injured victims of car accidents, rescuing and taking people to safety.

Little did he know that the day will come when he will be on the side of the injured victim who needed rescuing.

Just last weekend, Perisin was struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking on the crosswalk at the intersection of South Coast Highway and Brooks Street.

According to police, the suspected driver was on the southbound lane of South Coast Highway when he suddenly crossed over the other lane and struck Perisin.

Perisin hit the windshield and was sent 50 feet into the air.

He sustained head injuries and numerous broken bones.

Authorities are now looking for a white Toyota Prius or Corolla with front end damage and probably busted windshield.

The hit-and-run driver, aside from being charged with a personal injury lawsuit will also be prosecuted for leaving an accident scene.

Under the law, motorists are required to stay after an accident until the time that we are cleared by proper authorities.

We are also required to exchange information with the other parties involved and provide assistance to those who are injured.

Hopefully this driver will be caught soon so he can answer to what he has done.

Single Mom Dies on Highway Crash

A fatal crash can be a life changing experience for the deceased’s survivors. For a one year old kid, life not only changes but is also uncertain with the death of a mother.

Kimberly Nicole Taylor-O'Dell died instantaneously when she was hit by a car on Highway 101 north of Blossom Hill Road. The incident came about when Kimberly got out of her car to check on a car trouble. While inspecting her car, she was side swept by a vehicle then by several others.

The culprit was never arrested while Kimberly’s remains took days to be identified.

Under the law, in case of an accident, a driver is obliged to stop. This is an obligation imposed on him regardless of whether the driver is at fault or not. Otherwise, they may be liable for hit and run.

Claims for injuries or deaths resulting from car accidents are better pursued with the assistance of a car accident attorney. The victim or his surviving family members may be compensated for the expenses incurred in a car crash.

Single Mom Dies on Highway Crash

A fatal crash can be a life changing experience for the deceased’s survivors. For a one year old kid, life not only changes but is also uncertain with the death of a mother.

Kimberly Nicole Taylor-O'Dell died instantaneously when she was hit by a car on Highway 101 north of Blossom Hill Road. The incident came about when Kimberly got out of her car to check on a car trouble. While inspecting her car, she was side swept by a vehicle then by several others.

The culprit was never arrested while Kimberly’s remains took days to be identified.

Under the law, in case of an accident, a driver is obliged to stop. This is an obligation imposed on him regardless of whether the driver is at fault or not. Otherwise, they may be liable for hit and run.

Claims for injuries or deaths resulting from car accidents are better pursued with the assistance of a car accident attorney. The victim or his surviving family members may be compensated for the expenses incurred in a car crash.

DMV Employee Struck by Unlicensed Driver while Conducting Driving Test

In one of the more ironic car accidents I’ve come across recently, a DMV employee conducting a driving test was injured when the car he was riding was broadsided by an SUV whose driver apparently needs a driving test.
The victim, who was identified as 63-years-old Roberto Mascardo of Sausalito, remains hospitalized after sustaining serious injuries from the collision.
According to reports, Mascardo was a passenger in a Camry driven by Maria Adela Morales-Monterosa, 57, of Richmond, who was taking her driving test.
As the Camry was making a left turn from Sonoma Parkway to Rainer Avenue, a Ford Explorer driven by Alvaro Sanchez, 41, slammed into the passenger side of the car.
Morales-Monterosa and Sanchez were not seriously harmed but Mascardo suffered major injuries.
Turns out, Sanchez was driving without a license.
Makes you want to say, “Should be you who’s taking a driving test!!”
Hopefully, Mascardo makes a full recovery from his injuries.
He can also file a personal injury case against Sanchez who, from the looks of it, is willing to take liability for the actions.
Sanchez did volunteer the information that he has insurance (which he really should because it is required by California law).
Well, that’s the least of his problems and his insurance company should be able to take care of that.
What he should worry about is being charged with driving without a license and probably reckless driving that resulted to bodily harm.
He should really consider getting an attorney to advocate in his behalf.