If you are a car driving on the highway then you may be seeing more motorcycles riding next to you instead of in front or behind you. This is because California, in 2017, made lane splitting legal on the road. This means that motorcycle riders can now ride down the white lines of the road. This was met with some reservations. Some believed that lane splitting would cause more accidents. Others believed it just wasn’t fair to see people ride freely while cars were stuck in traffic. These opinions did not deter the legislatures from legalizing this practice and our roadways are starting to get used to the new practice.
Positives of Lane Splitting
Those who are avid motorcycle drivers know how frustrating it is to wait in traffic. Lane Splitting is a way to reduce congestion and carbon emissions. More carbon emissions are caused by cars standing still and not moving. Allowing motorcycles to move freely helps to reduce that emission by 6%. Studies have also shown that when motorcycles ride between cars there is a reduction in deadly collisions. Rear-ending a motorcycle is like giving a death sentence to the driver. Lane splitting reduces those kinds of accidents.
Negatives of Lane Splitting
When you introduce anything new to society there will always be a backlash. The dangers of lane splitting, or white lining, means that regular vehicle drivers have to be extra cautious. With an increase in distracted driving, it seems impossible to believe that drivers will look for motorcycles while switching lanes. However, when done correctly, motorcycles can use this tactic to avoid getting hit from behind.
If you are a motorcycle driver, our motorcycle crash lawyers at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg in Los Angeles want to provide you the best do and don’ts of lane splitting. We aim to keep you safe and are ready to protect you if you are injured in an accident:
- Do be aware of your surroundings like the width of lanes or the size of surrounding vehicles. You can’t trust other drivers to see you, so make sure you are visible to them at all times.
- Don’t drive more than 10 mph over the speed limit when riding the white lines. The faster you go the more likely an accident will occur.
- Do be aware of what drivers are doing. If you see a driver distracted they probably aren’t paying attention to you.
- Don’t lane split on unfamiliar roads. Attention to detail is important when lane splitting. If you aren’t sure of the road then you may increase the likelihood of an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident then it is important that you find representation. Legal representation can improve your chances of getting full compensation for your injuries. Our Los Angeles attorney at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg in Los Angeles is ready to represent you. Call 310-997-0904 or click here to share your story with our professional staff today.
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