Some scary accidents have happened around the country recently involving “lane splitting,” the dangerous practice of motorcycles riding in between the lanes on a highway. In Aurora, Colorado, a motorcyclist collided with a tow truck in a deadly crash precipitated by lane splitting. In California, a motorcyclist collided with a car and was knocked to the pavement. He also was riding between lanes and says he will continue the risky practice.
Proponents of lane splitting say that it is a safe way for motorcyclists to travel in heavy traffic. They note that the stop-and-go traffic poses an increased hazard of collisions with inattentive drivers. However, police call lane splitting dangerous, unpredictable, and hazardous for both car drivers and motorcycle riders.
Earlier this year, Oregon lawmakers tried to put through a bill allowing lane splitting, but it was vetoed by the governor. Lane splitting is legal in some other states, such as California. In other states, it is not explicitly forbidden, rather, up to the discretion of the police. Lane splitting is not allowed in Pennsylvania.
Lane splitting is just one cause of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania. If you have an instance where you would like to speak with an attorney about a possible accident lawsuit, please reach out to us. Our firm is recognized as a leader in litigating such cases throughout the commonwealth.