Is Lane Splitting Legal in California?
Since January 1, 2017, lane splitting has been legal in California. Section 21658 of the California Vehicle Code defines lane splitting as: “driving a motorcycle… that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways.”
While lane splitting is legal, that does not mean it is not risky. It is essential to learn to drive your motorcycle carefully at all times, especially when navigating between other vehicles, whether stationary or moving. Statistics for 2022 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) show that 634 people died in California motorcycle crashes – a 3.8 percent increase from the previous year.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, Johnson Attorneys Group is ready to provide the legal support you need. Request a free, personal case review with one of our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys today by calling 1 (800) 208-3538 or completing our online contact form.
Why Lane Splitting Is Legal in California
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), California and Florida have the largest numbers of motorcycles on the road by far. Lane splitting is looked upon favorably in California because it reduces traffic. Lane-splitting motorcycles take up less room, keep traffic moving, and reduce time spent on the road for all motorists.
However, the fact that lane splitting is legal does not necessarily mean it is safe under all circumstances.
How Safe Is Lane Splitting?
In 2015, the University of California, Berkeley’s Safe Transportation and Research Center (Safe TREC) released a report on the safety of lane splitting. Safe TREC concluded that lane slipping did not necessarily increase the risk of injuries.
However, there were two important caveats. Lane splitting is relatively safe when traffic is moving at 50 mph or less and when the motorcyclist is not going above 15 mph faster than the other vehicles. The report stated that “the difference in speed between the motorcycle and the surrounding traffic was a bigger predictor of injury than speed alone.”
This study, which focused on California motorcycle accidents, also found that lane-splitting riders were less likely to suffer the following injuries:
- Head injuries
- Torso injuries
- Fatal injuries
That said, the study did find that lane splitting was involved in 997 out of the 6,000 California motorcycle accidents it reviewed.
The takeaway? If you plan to practice lane splitting, do so with care and lower your speed to reduce the risk of injury.
Responsibilities of All Drivers
Whatever vehicle they drive, all drivers on California’s roads have a duty of care toward other road users. California drivers must be aware that every time they get behind the wheel, they need to be on the lookout for lane-splitting motorcycles, especially in their blind spots. Failure to do so could make drivers negligent and liable in the event of a collision with a lane-splitting motorcycle.
At the same time, motorcyclists need to be aware of other vehicles and drive cautiously. It may be wise to presume that other vehicles have not seen you. Also, avoid other vehicles’ blind spots as much as possible, as this greatly increases the possibility of being missed and getting into an accident.
Here are some tips that can help motorcyclists lane split as safely as possible:
- Avoid right lanes for lane splitting, as these have more on- and off-ramps, meaning vehicles change lanes more frequently
- Make sure you have at least 2 feet on either side of the motorcycle when passing
- Keep scanning the road ahead
- Watch for cars looking to change lanes
- Cover the brakes and clutch with 2 fingers so you are ready to make a quick stop
Despite taking all these precautions, lane-splitting accidents can still happen at times. What can you do to seek justice and fair compensation so you can get back on the road as soon as possible?
Seek Compensation After a California Motorcycle Accident
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Johnson Attorneys Group as soon as possible. We understand that motorcycle accidents can be complex, and insurance companies may try to blame the motorcyclist for the accident.
Whether you are the victim of another driver’s negligence or bear part of the responsibility for the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation that can help you recover from the financial burden of your accident.
During your free case evaluation with us, a Johnson Attorneys Group lawyer will listen carefully to your story and advise you on your legal rights. If we believe your case has a strong chance of success, we may agree to represent you.
A Johnson Attorneys Group motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to fight for the following compensation on your behalf:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
Do not let anyone convince you that you do not have a case because you were lane splitting at the time of the accident. Get qualified legal advice from an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who understands how California’s lane splitting laws affect motorcycle accident cases. Our attorney can explain the legal avenues open to you and how much your case may be worth.
Entrust Your Case to a Johnson Attorneys Group Motorcycle Accident Attorney
At Johnson Attorneys Group, we understand how passionate motorcyclists are about hitting the road on two wheels. If someone else’s negligence or reckless driving caused your injuries while you were lane splitting, you could be entitled to compensation.
Our motorcycle accident attorneys are passionate about fighting for justice on behalf of motorcycle accident victims. Our lawyers will fight tooth and nail against insurance company tactics in pursuit of the compensation you deserve.
Our track record in motorcycle accident cases speaks for itself. In one notable case, our client’s motorcycle was hit by a lost wheel from another vehicle while riding on the highway. We secured a payout of $1 million for the injuries sustained.
Now is the time to find out how much your case could be worth. Schedule a free, personalized case review today by calling 1 (800) 208-3538. Alternatively, fill out our contact form, and we will call you back very soon.
