California has long “tolerated” lane splitting in terms of not fining motorcycles who engage in the practice, but the state has finally made lane splitting legally kosher with the passing of A.B. 51 in September 2016. From there, formalized rules will be approved and then set in stone by various regulatory and enforcement agencies, including Caltrans and the CHP.
Many motorcyclists rejoiced that these rules can be formalized since they have been safely practicing lane splitting for years. Others worry about the potential safety consequences of giving lane splitters unequivocal legal consent. There are fair points on both sides, so let us go ahead and lay them out in a pros and cons of lane splitting breakdown.
PRO: Lane Splitting Encourages Sensible Flow of Traffic
The biggest and most obvious argument for lane splitting relates to letting motorcycle riders take advantage of blatant open gaps in traffic to keep things moving. This capability opens up traffic, relieves congestion and possibly even encourages commuters to adopt more efficient and more maneuverable transportation.
Without making this practice legal, motorcyclists will have to stare forlornly at passages they could easily and safely squeeze through as they trudge along with the herd.
CON: Lane Splitting Can Makes Driving More Complicated or Dangerous
In the UK and other countries, lane splitting is a given in traffic law and drivers are accustomed to the practice. Some cars even get out of the way for lane splitters! The system works beautifully when everyone is on the same page.
However, on this side of the pond, the practice is somewhat foreign and there is almost a disdain for motorcyclists. Many drivers in San Francisco and California will admit to closing off lane splitting spaces out of pure spite. And let’s be blunt: most Americans aren’t the best drivers, especially around congested areas like San Francisco and San Jose. Drivers are already inattentive, and adding another layer of complication to the roadway and another “thing” drivers need to be conscious of (yet probably won’t be) simply makes driving more dangerous for motorcycle riders.
California has a booming tourism industry, especially San Francisco, and out of state drivers are usually completely oblivious that a motorcycle can split lanes here. Since current U.S. motor traffic is many generations away from accepting lane splitting as a given, out of state drivers will continue to pose a risk to lane splitting motorcyclists. They simply do not know that a lane splitting motorcyclist is something they have to watch out for and make allowances for. Lazily weaving to and fro in your lane while snapchatting your latest Cali and San Francisco vacay adventures in snail pace traffic can have some pretty drastic consequences for an oncoming motorcycle.
While putting laws in place like relative speed limits and educating the public to watch and allow for lane splitting motorcycles should help to mitigate some of the risks, motorcyclists still need to be aware that many people on the roads today may not be watching out for them while splitting lanes.
PRO: Lane Splitting Actually Reduces Dangerous Traffic Mishaps for Bikers
While the opposite may seem true at a superficial glance, lane splitting in traffic can actually make motorcyclists safer rather than more reckless. The simple truth is that many motorcycle riders get rear-ended during stop and start traffic. While a little nudge can just scratch the paint of a car, a small tap is all it takes to send a biker sprawling and in the path of other cars.
A study from UC Berkeley showed that lane splitting motorists are less likely to be hit from behind, and they are also less likely to suffer neck and torso injuries. These benefits largely disappear above speeds of 50 mph or when lane-splitters move more than 15 mph faster than traffic, though, so the current laws reflect the discouragement of fast-speed lane splitting.
Pursue Your Right to Compensation with a San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
No matter what the feelings are on lane splitting, motorcyclists have a right to not be put in danger by inattentive or flat out malicious motorists.
If you have been injured in a collision, you can solicit the help of an experienced San Francisco motorcycle accident lawyer to represent your case and fight for your right to the maximum compensation possible. Do not hesitate, contact Gruber Law Group today using the number above or the contact form to the right to receive your free consultation.
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