Many motorcyclists involved in road splitting get into the trouble of central to minor accidents. This offense is also known as lane splitting, where motorcyclists try to ride between slow or stopped traffic lanes, which can lead to severe accidents. Though road splitting is a method to bypass congestion, it also has its share of dangers for motorcyclists and drivers. In San Diego,
road splitting is illegal, and if you are caught in an accident, only a legal specialist can help you. Now, let's get to know why road splitting is considered to be highly risk:
•
Proximity to Other Vehicles
Motorcycles, being two-wheelers, have the advantage of weaving between vehicles, but it reduces the chances of a safe ride if there are too many vehicles in the adjacent lanes. When road splitting, if the motorcyclist miscalculates the distance, then it can result in clipping a car. If the motorcyclist tries to go over speed in this situation, it can bring devastating results. If a collision occurs with a vehicle, the motorcyclist would be more affected than the car occupants.
•
Limited Visibility for Drivers
Usually, drivers tend not to look beyond the large vehicles, which proves a disadvantage for motorcycles, as the driver might overlook the two-wheeler until it comes too close. In this situation, if the motorcyclist decides to split lanes, the drivers may not respond to a motorcycle in standstill traffic. Even the motorcycles become difficult to detect in the side mirrors as these two-wheelers are small and in an unexpected position. The motorcyclist can land in a driver's blind spot, leading to a massive accident and changes in traffic flow.
•
Sudden Stops and Lane Changes
You cannot predict traffic accurately in congested areas, so if a car abruptly stops, the lane-splitting motorcyclist might be unable to avoid a collision. Thus, these movements are quite common in heavy traffic, and a driver needs to make instant decisions to switch lanes or stop short. If you land in an accident due to a sudden stop or lane change, seek help from a
motorcycle accident lawyer.
•
Psychological Impact on Other Drivers
If a motorcyclist is road splitting or weaving between lanes, it can cause panic or distraction for other drivers. Thus, when the driver tries to shift slightly in the lanes, it enhances the chance of a hazard to make the area more spacious. Due to the motorcyclist's sudden or unpredictable movements, there is a high risk of a crash. Also, if the drivers react aggressively to motorcycle lane splitting, it would create a
fatal accident.
Final Words
There are various legal implications for lane splitting based on the region where it was done. In some areas, it is illegal, whereas others might advocate safety protocols while road splitting. So, you need to stay within designated lanes, maintain a safe distance, and wear reflective gear to enhance visibility; every driver should be extra vigilant. Moreover, you must also get legal support if you face an accident, and they can assess the fault to help you get fair compensation.