California Study: Some Drivers Block Lane-Splitting Motorcycles

California is the only state which expressly states that lane splitting is legal for motorcycles—but that doesn’t mean other drivers on the road tolerate the activity or know the rules of the road. This fact was confirmed by a recent study conducted by the California Office of Traffic Safety, which found that a significant number of drivers disapprove of lane splitting, and some actively try to block motorbikes which ride the white line between lanes. Contact California motorcycle accident lawyer.

Below, we’ve summarized the California traffic study’s findings:

• Only 53 percent of California drivers know lane splitting is legal for motorcycles.
• 63 percent of drivers strongly disapprove of motorcycle lane splitting.
• 91 percent of drivers say they observe lane splitting on California highways on a daily basis.
• 67 percent of motorcycle riders say a driver has attempted to block their attempt to lane split. At the same time, 7.3 percent of drivers admit to trying to block lane splitting by motorcycles.
• 44 percent of those who block lane-splitters do so because they believe it is unsafe. Twenty-three percent say they block lane-splitters because they find it unfair in high-traffic situations.
• 78 percent of motorcycle riders say they have split lanes, while 30 percent regularly practice lane splitting.
• Slightly more than five percent of drivers say they have been involved in a motorcycle collision, while almost 12 percent say they had been hit by a vehicle while lane splitting. Just over three percent admitted to hitting a car while lane splitting.

Have you been involved in a California motorcycle accident that involved lane splitting, either as a biker or a driver? Consult with an Orange County personal injury lawyer today to learn more about your case and whether you may deserve compensation. Call Russell & Lazarus at 800-268-9228.