What Should You Know About Lane Splitting In California?

What Should You Know About Lane Splitting In California?

“ With the passage of state Assembly Bill 51, Californian motorcyclists can now legally share the lane with other vehicles when passing. The contentious bill allows motorcyclists to lane split, which is also known as white-lining or lane sharing. Now that lane splitting is exiting the legal gray area, it is up to all of us to make safe decisions and know our responsibilities on the road.

Here are the best practices you need to know from both a driver and motorcyclist perspective.

LANE-SPLITTING FOR CARS If you are driving a car, this new bill makes it even more important to keep an eye out for motorcycles. While it can be frustrating to see a motorcyclist passing through traffic, the legislature wants to help them avoid getting rear-ended in a traffic jam. This new bill means being closer to motorcycles and having confidence in your own driving abilities.

While it may feel like motorcycles are cheating their way through traffic because of this law, the goal is to maximize everyone’s safety and speed.

Drivers should keep an eye out for motorcycles in traffic and do their best to minimize blind spots

PASSING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS While the California MVD will not have formal guidelines until January 1, 2017 here are a few of their older recommendations that you can follow: ➢ Do not travel 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic when passing. ➢ Do not try to split lanes when traffic is faster than 30mph, faster speed = slower reaction time. ➢ It is safer to split between the first two lanes (furthest left) than the other lanes. ➢ Treat other motor vehicles as if they cannot see you and try to give them as wide a berth as possible.

If you get into an accident while lane-splitting or are hit by a motorcyclist seek medical aid, contact a Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law OfďŹ ces of Howard Craig Kornberg and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case.

Contact Address: 10880 Wilshire Blvd, #1840, Los Angeles, CA 90024 Phone: 310-997-0904 Website: https://www.kornberglawďŹ rm.com/contact-html/