California Highway Patrol issues new safety guidelines for motorcyclists

May 31, 2013

California is well-known for its congested traffic conditions. In an attempt to speed their commutes, many Californians choose to ride motorcycles, hoping that a more maneuverable vehicle will be able to cut through traffic jams. California is the only state in the country to allow the practice of "lane splitting," whereby a motorcyclist rides between stopped or slowed lanes of vehicle traffic.

Lane splitting is not specifically authorized by state law. However, there is not a law prohibiting it, either. Accordingly, the California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies have decided that lane splitting, is legal as long it is done safely and prudently.

Lane splitting can be risky, especially if motorists are not aware of the motorcyclist's presence. Even worse, some motorists have been known to get angry or annoyed at motorcycle riders and will intentionally block them from passing through a lane. Since these hazards can lead to dangerous motorcycle accidents, it is important for riders who choose to lane split to ride in a way that makes their presence known and that allows them to react safely to changing traffic conditions.

The California Highway Patrol recently issued new guidelines on the correct way for motorcyclists to cut through lanes of traffic safely. Specifically, the agency recommends the following tactics:
- Lane-splitting motorcyclists should never travel more than 10 mph over the speed of traffic
- Motorcyclists should avoid sharing lanes when traffic is moving faster than 30 mph
- When possible, motorcyclists should use the space between the two lanes farthest to the left side of the road
- Motorcyclists should not split lanes near on-ramps, freeway exits or tollbooths

In addition, the California Highway Patrol is urging motorcyclists to exercise caution when deciding whether to split lanes. Riders should consider not only the size of their own motorcycles, but also the width of the vehicles around them and the space between the lanes of traffic. The Highway Patrol's mantra is "if you can't fit, don't split."

California motorcycle accidents

As helpful as these guidelines are, it is important to remember that following these recommendations doesn't necessarily guarantee that an accident will not happen. Even the most prudent and careful motorcycle riders cannot prevent others on the road from acting dangerously.

When accidents happen, it is important for injured motorcyclists to take steps to protect their rights. When traffic accidents are caused by a driver who breaks the rules of the road, California law allows the injured victim to recover financial damages in from the person (usually their insurance company) whose negligence caused the injury. Victims can recover compensation for losses including past and future medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

It is not always easy to prove negligence, though, especially in cases where a motorcyclist has been lane splitting. Even in seemingly clear cut cases of car driver negligence, insurance companies often try to capitalize on the assumption that motorcyclists speed and are unsafe to blame them for the accident. Even when insurance companies accept fault, they typically do not offer fair compensation. For those reasons, injured motorcyclists should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney after an accident. Experienced attorneys will have the skills and resources necessary to properly investigate the crash in order to help victims protect their rights.