Is Lane Splitting Safe?
California is the only state that permits motorcyclists to split lanes. In all other states, lane splitting is illegal. Unfortunately, the state does not track data regarding lane-splitting motorcycle crashes. However, a proposed law will set guidelines for lane splitting that could make the maneuver safer but without current data it may be hard to determine if the new law is effective in making lane splitting a safer practice.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is also referred to as lane sharing. It refers to a motorcyclist sharing a lane with another vehicle. The rider maneuvers the motorcycle between vehicles that are stopped or moving slower than the rider. Most states consider the practice dangerous for riders and other vehicles on the road; therefore, the practice is illegal in all states except California.
Does Lane Splitting Cause Traffic Accidents?
In an …show more content…
The process could take up to a year to complete. The legislation, authored by California Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), hopes that the guidelines will prevent motorcycle crashes.
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program offers these tips for safe lane splitting:
• Do not travel more than 10 mph faster than the traffic.
• The risk of accidents and crash severity increases when traffic is moving at 30 mph or faster. It is recommended to avoid lane splitting if traffic is move at 30 mph or faster.
• It appears to be safer to split lanes between the #1 and #2 lanes.
• Avoid splitting lanes near freeway exits and on-ramps.
• Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads.
• Leave enough distance between you and the other vehicles.
• Avoid splitting lanes in inclement weather.
• Always remain alert and be prepared to take evasive action, if necessary, to avoid a collision.
• Avoid lingering in a vehicle’s blind
California is the only state that permits motorcyclists to split lanes. In all other states, lane splitting is illegal. Unfortunately, the state does not track data regarding lane-splitting motorcycle crashes. However, a proposed law will set guidelines for lane splitting that could make the maneuver safer but without current data it may be hard to determine if the new law is effective in making lane splitting a safer practice.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is also referred to as lane sharing. It refers to a motorcyclist sharing a lane with another vehicle. The rider maneuvers the motorcycle between vehicles that are stopped or moving slower than the rider. Most states consider the practice dangerous for riders and other vehicles on the road; therefore, the practice is illegal in all states except California.
Does Lane Splitting Cause Traffic Accidents?
In an …show more content…
The process could take up to a year to complete. The legislation, authored by California Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), hopes that the guidelines will prevent motorcycle crashes.
The California Motorcyclist Safety Program offers these tips for safe lane splitting:
• Do not travel more than 10 mph faster than the traffic.
• The risk of accidents and crash severity increases when traffic is moving at 30 mph or faster. It is recommended to avoid lane splitting if traffic is move at 30 mph or faster.
• It appears to be safer to split lanes between the #1 and #2 lanes.
• Avoid splitting lanes near freeway exits and on-ramps.
• Avoid splitting on unfamiliar roads.
• Leave enough distance between you and the other vehicles.
• Avoid splitting lanes in inclement weather.
• Always remain alert and be prepared to take evasive action, if necessary, to avoid a collision.
• Avoid lingering in a vehicle’s blind