Sometimes called lane sharing or whitelining, a motorcycle or other two-wheeled vehicle is lane splitting when it travels on the white lines between cars or trucks. With valid points on both sides as to why motorcycle lane splitting is or is not dangerous, it seems that riders are for lane splitting while most drivers are not. Our motorcycle accident attorneys look at both the pros and cons of permitting lane splitting.
Why is Lane Splitting Illegal?
As we discussed in a previous post, most states like Colorado have made lane sharing illegal while others prohibit the actions of lane splitting without specifically making a law against it. The only state that permits lane splitting is California. However, lane splitting is not legal there either, only tolerated when done safely.
For those in favor of allowing lane sharing, many see the potential benefit lane splitting can have for roadway congestion. One way riders could offer relief on the roads is by traveling in the unused space in between cars and trucks. This is called lane filtering
Safety is a main concern as to why some think lane splitting should remain prohibited. However, this issue brings up another question: What makes lane splitting dangerous for riders?
What Are Door Zone Dangers?
One of the biggest dangers to motorcyclists is something the law has termed the “door zone.” This is what happens when a driver opens a car door unexpectedly and the rider collides with the door. Cyclists are also at risk of injuries in the door zone. Riders must be extremely cautious when filtering through commercial trucks and buses for door zone injuries and riding in blind spots.
When a driver fails to pay attention to motorcyclists and others sharing the road, accidents can and do happen. Our injury law firm is here to support riders and all injury victims hurt by the negligence of another.
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Did You Know? Lane splitting is seen as so dangerous that California Highway Patrol only recommends splitting a lane when traveling less than 12 mph.
To find out more about lane splitting, you can visit the Los Angeles Times’ website.