Lane Splitting Can Lead to Serious Accidents for Motorcyclists and Other Motorists
Motorcyclists have to be very careful while out on the road, which goes for city streets as well as highways and interstates. They are especially vulnerable to injuries given how exposed people are on motorcycles. It's for this reason that laws are in place to help make sure that motorcyclists are kept safe. If you or a loved one is injured as a result of an auto accident that involves a motorcycle or motorcyclist, a personal injury attorney will work to enure that just compensation is obtained.
We'd like to take this opportunity to focus on one particular practice by motorcyclists that can be quite harmful to themselves and to others: lane splitting.
What is lane splitting?
Lane splitting refers to motorcyclists overtaking other vehicles by driving between the designated lane lines. This sometimes involves the motorcyclist driving between slower vehicles on either side of them, sometimes multiple slower vehicles down a long stretch of road.
Is lane splitting legal in the state of New York?
Lane splitting is NOT legal in the state of New York. While you may see it a fair amount, it is not something that is permitted by law. (It should be noted that the statutes with regard to lane splitting do vary from state to state.)
The Dangers Posed by Lane Splitting
When a motorcyclist is traveling between lanes, he or she is running a major risk of injury to himself/herself. If the motorcyclist should fall or lose balance while traveling between vehicles, he or she may fall and get run over by the adjacent vehicles and oncoming vehicles.
Lane splitting places motorcycles in very close proximity to other vehicles, which means an increased chance of getting lost in the larger vehicle's blind spot and being struck accidentally. These dangers to motorcyclists are just a few compelling reasons why lane splitting is not permitted by law in New York.
All Motorists Are Put at Risk By Lane Splitting
In addition endangering themselves, motorcyclists are also putting fellow motorists at risk when they engage in lane splitting. Cars, trucks, and larger vehicles may try to swerve out of the way of the nearby motorcyclist, or they may make sudden adjustments that put other vehicles at risk as well. In that way, even if the motorcyclist is not harmed, he or she may be contributing to another auto accident occurring.
Ultimately, lane splitting is not something that should be done because it places all motorists in danger.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You Following and Accident
Whether you are a motorcyclist injured in an accident or a motorist who was harmed by a motorcyclist, a motorcycle accident attorney will help collect just compensation for any injuries sustained.
Our legal team will examine the various circumstances of your case and will fight diligently to ensure that the negligent party is held accountable. If you lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident, we will work diligently to collect compensation that covers the tragic loss of your loved one to aid in the mourning and coping process.
Learn More About Your Legal Options in Motorcycle Accident Cases
If you would like more information about all of your legal options following a serious motor vehicle collision, it's important that you contact our New York and Long Island personal injury lawyers today. By speaking with our legal team, you will be able to get all the information that you need to make smart legal decisions that allow you to collect compensation for injuries and other losses.
