LANE SPLITTING

FYI FROM THE : CALIFORNIA DMV DRIVERS HANDBOOK
SHARING THE ROAD WITH MOTORCYCLES



Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. While everyone must follow the same traffic laws, motorcyclists face unusual dangers because motorcycles require exceptional handling ability and are harder to see. Therefore, many motorcycles keep their headlight on even during daylight hours.
From ahead or behind, a motorcycle’s outline is much smaller than a passenger vehicle’s and most drivers are expecting to see larger vehicles on the road and are not looking for motorcycles.
Motorcyclists can do many things to make it easier for others to recognize them and increase their chances of being seen.
Wear a bright colored jacket, vest and a helmet.
Wear reflective material on their helmet and clothes.
Use turn signals anytime they plan to change lanes or turn.
Flashing their brake light before they slow down to help others notice them.
Follow these rules to respect the right-of-way and safely share the road with motorcyclists:
When you change lanes or enter a major thoroughfare, make a visual check for motorcycles. Also use your mirrors. Motorcycles are small, and they can easily disappear into a vehicle’s blind spots.
Allow a four-second following distance. You will need this space to avoid hitting the motorcyclist if he or she brakes suddenly or falls. Motorcycles generally can stop faster than passenger vehicles.
Allow the motorcycle a full lane width. Although it is not illegal to share lanes with motorcycles, it is unsafe.
Never try to pass a motorcycle in the same lane you are sharing with the motorcycle.
When you make a turn, check for motorcyclists and gauge their speed before turning.
Look carefully for motorcyclists before opening doors next to moving traffic or before turning right.
Motorcycles may travel faster than traffic during congested road conditions and can legally travel in the unused space between two lines of moving or stationary vehicles, which is commonly called “lane splitting.”
Remember that road conditions which are minor annoyances to you pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or direction suddenly. If you are aware of the effect of these conditions and drive with care and attention, you can help reduce motorcyclist injuries and fatalities. For more information regarding motorcycle safety, contact the California Motorcyclist Safety Program at 1-877-RIDE-411 or www.ca-msp.org