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Is Lane Splitting Legal and Dangerous?

More than likely you hear them coming before you see them—motorcycles zipping through vehicles in traffic. It’s called lane splitting and it was recently given the green light in California. At Seekins Ford Lincoln Body Shop, we always like to share blogs about road safety and motorcycles are part of that equation.

Lane splitting, also called lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic that is either at a standstill or moving slowly. In August 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that made California the first state in the nation to officially legalize this controversial practice. Assembly Bill 51 goes into effect January 1.

Motorcyclists say it helps keep them safe on the road, by avoiding getting hit from the rear if cars in front stop or slow unexpectedly. Motorists and others say it is a dangerous practice that causes accidents.

A University of Berkley study found that between June 2012 and August 2013, 17 percent (997) of the 5,969 accidents in California were associated with lane splitting.

Lane splitting has been allowed by law enforcement for years if done safely. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) offers motorcyclists the following guidelines:

1.) Don’t exceed more than 10 mph faster than traffic. A motorcycle rider has less time to react when there is a greater speed differential.

2.) Don’t lane split if traffic is traveling 30 mph or faster. There is a greater probably of a collision at higher speeds.

3.) It is usually safer to split between lanes #1 and #2 (the furthest left lanes) because road users are more accustomed to lane splitting in these lanes.

4.) Be aware of your surroundings when it comes to lane splitting. This includes the width of the lanes, the size of the vehicles nearby, weather conditions and lighting.

5.) Pay attention to other drivers on the road and be prepared in case a vehicle changes lanes or a driver is distracted.

There are several instances when the CHP recommends avoiding lane splitting, including when you are near a toll booth, traffic is going too fast or is unpredictable, the road is curved or there are unsafe road conditions.

Above all, motorcyclists are advised by the CHP to “Be Reasonable, Be Responsible, Be Respectable, and Be Aware of all roadway and traffic conditions.”

By following these recommendations, it will not only keep you safe but other motorists on the road as well, whether you live in Fairbanks, AK or anywhere else nationwide.

Sources: Zoom Legal, MSN and Huffington Post