• 13
  • May
    2011

California driving laws grant motorcyclists two unique driving privileges: lane sharing and lane splitting. Because these privileges are neither always safe nor always allowed, it is important to understand the rules as well as the possibilities that follow a motorcycle accident.

Lane Sharing

Lane sharing entails two vehicles traveling in the same direction, side-by-side in the same lane at the same time. Lane sharing is only allowed on roads with at least two lanes going the same direction. Also, it is only permitted for either two motorcycles at a time or one motorcycle and a passenger vehicle.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when motorcyclists ride between two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. It is often both scary and frustrating for other drivers stopped in traffic when lane-splitting motorcyclists narrowly pass by. Perhaps surprisingly, a University of Southern California study indicated that lane splitting is actually safer for motorcyclists because it allows them to escape toxic exhaust fumes and avoid being sandwiched by surrounding cars.

These practice are not always safe, however, as they require motorcyclists drive in close proximity to other vehicles and may increase the chance of a motorcycle crash. Therefore, motorcyclists should be cautious when lane sharing and lane splitting and recognize when it is not appropriate.

If another driver acts without due caution, however, and causes an accident in which a motorcyclist is injured, the motorcyclist may be able to make a claim against the at-fault driver in a personal injury lawsuit. If successful, the injured motorcyclist may be able to recover monetary compensation for his or her medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. But, any damages awarded to the motorcyclist will be reduced by his or her percentage of fault in causing the accident. For many reasons, therefore, it is important for motorcyclists to extremely careful when driving on California's roads.