The lawyers of Saunders Law Group know just how serious motorcycle accidents and injuries can be. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to harm, which means even a low-speed collision can result in major bodily injury and trauma. If the accident is caused by another person or party’s negligence, our lawyers will help you in your time of legal need.
In order to drive responsibly, it’s important to consider some common sense do’s and don’ts. One of the major dangers for motorcyclists is lane splitting. It may seem like a good idea, but it’s also an illegal and potentially deadly decision.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting refers to the act of driving between designated lanes. Essentially, it means riding along the lane line or veering into another vehicles lane. This can be done while vehicles are in motion or when traffic is at a standstill.
Obviously given the nature of lane splitting, this is a practice that only applies to motorcycles and scooters.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in the State of Florida?
No.
Lane splitting is illegal in most states throughout the country. Florida is one of the many states that prohibits lane splitting. Even when traffic is heavy and no vehicles are moving, lane splitting is still considered an illegal activity by state law.
If a motorcyclist or a person operating a scooter is caught splitting lanes, they can be ticketed and issued fines and other penalties depending on the nature of the infraction.
The Dangers of Lane Splitting
There are many dangers to consider with lane splitting. They include the following:
- Driving in Blindspots – Given the angle and proximity of a motorcyclist when splitting lanes, the motorcyclist may wind up in a driver’s blindspot, and potentially multiple drivers’ blindspots.
- Narrow Space Between Vehicles – There is not much space between vehicles if you travel between them. It’s possible to be crushed or pinched between two vehicle if you aren’t careful.
- Injury from Side View Mirrors – Related to the narrow space between vehicles, there is the possibility of striking side view mirrors as you are trying to pass a vehicle or as you travel between two vehicles.
- Risk of Getting Doored – In standstill traffic, a driver or passenger may open their car door to get out and stretch. If you travel between lanes, there’s a possibility that you will strike a car door that you did not expect was opening.
- Potential of Being Run Over If You Fall – If you lose control of your motorcycle and fall off while splitting lanes, you run a serious risk of being run over by a vehicle that is next to you.
Drive Safely and Use Good Judgment
Whenever you are on a motorcycle or a scooter, it’s important that you exercise good judgment. Avoid lane splitting, even when there is heavy traffic. Always wear a helmet while on your motorcycle or scooter, and be sure you are wearing other types of proper protective gear as well, such as a jacket, jeans, and so forth.
Contact Saunders Law Group
For more information about your legal rights and options, we encourage you to contact our team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers today. The team at Saunders Law Group will work closely with you to ensure justice is served and your legal rights are respected.
