Motorcycle Lane Splitting Legal in California But Not All Motorists Pay Attention

As advised by the California Drivers Handbook, motorists should make a visual check for motorcycles using their mirrors and by checking in their blind spots. Motorists are cautioned to be aware that various road conditions, such as potholes, gravel, railroad crossings, pavement seams or wet surfaces may cause a motorcyclist to change speed or direction suddenly. Motorists are also advised to allow a four second following distance to avoid hitting a motorcyclist who may be ejected as a result of an accident.

An abrupt lane change or open door, however, is not the only danger. Some motorists will actually try to squeeze into your lane even knowing that you're there. As indicated in the California Motorcycle Handbook, it advisable to discourage lane sharing by other vehicles by keeping "a center-portion position whenever drivers might be tempted to squeeze by you." The Motorcycle Handbook goes on to warn that,

Drivers are most tempted to do this:

• In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic.
• When they want to pass you.
• When you are preparing to turn at an intersection.
• When you are getting in an exit lane or leaving the highway.

Even conceding that other motorists have a responsibility to look out for us, both the California Motorcycle Handbook and the California Drivers Handbook caution against lane-splitting. The Motorcycle Handbook, directed at motorcyclists states,

Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is not safe. Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable. A car could turn suddenly or change lanes, a door could open, or a hand could come out of a window.

We have seen all of the above-referenced incidents and, at times, the rider sustained serious injuries - even though he did nothing wrong. This cautionary sentiment is also directed to the general motoring public in the California Drivers Handbook which states,

Allow the motorcycle a full lane width. Although it is not illegal to share lanes with motorcycles, it is unsafe.

Moreover, even though lane splitting is permitted, riders can be cited for other violations, such as unsafe speed for conditions or an unsafe lane change.

The bottom line is that you should use common sense and not put yourself in obvious danger. By far the most frequent cause of lane-splitting accidents in which the motorcyclist is found at fault is the motorcyclist's excessive speed, which dramatically cuts down on reaction time. While other motorists have an absolute responsibility to watch out for us, we all know that not everyone does. Even though the other motorist may be found at fault, that's not going to help you recover from a serious injury. We need to adjust our riding habits according to the traffic and road conditions.