Lane-splitting, the practice of allowing motorcyclists to cruise between cars, is legal in the state of California and nowhere else. However, that might change, and efforts to legalize lane-splitting are underway in Washington, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. Lawmakers believe that legalizing lane-splitting will relieve traffic congestion.

The idea of allowing motorcyclists to maneuver through traffic does not sit well with everyone, and opponents to lane-splitting believe it is unsafe. When motorists in California were surveyed on the approval or disapproval of lane-splitting, 60 percent said they disapproved of the practice. The survey found that a majority of motorists who disapprove of lane-splitting believed it was unsafe.

Does Lane-Splitting Increase the Risk of a Motorcycle Accident?

Evidence on lane-splitting safety can make a compelling argument, refuting claims of the practice being unsafe. For example, research from the California Office of Traffic Safety has shown that lane-splitting can be done safely. If motorcyclists perform lane-splitting in slow moving traffic and do not exceed the speed of traffic by less than 10 miles per hour, the chances of a motorcycle accident can be reduced.

According to the research, motorcyclists were less likely to die or sustain injuries in lane-splitting accidents when compared to other types of collisions.

Under Colorado and Wyoming law, lane-splitting remains illegal for motorcyclists. States with high levels of traffic congestion are more likely to review proposals by motorcycle and transportation groups to consider the idea of allowing lane-splitting.

As motorcycle accident attorneys, Metier Law Firm encourages our readers to learn more about motorcycle safety by visiting our website.

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