There are plenty of motorcycle enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and safe riding experience, but it is important that both cyclists and passenger vehicle drivers understand the laws related to motorcycles. Many people wonder if lane splitting is legal in Pennsylvania. The answer is, no, lane splitting is not legal in Pennsylvania, and understanding what lane splitting is and how it affects motorcyclists is important. Ask a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer to learn more!
What is lane splitting?
Lane splitting, also referred to as white lightning, is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a higher rate of speed than those vehicles. The term white lining comes from the idea that the motorcyclist rides the white line between vehicles moving in the same direction. Supporters of lane splitting say that letting motorcyclists operate this way reduces traffic congestion and is safer for the cyclists who can avoid being rear-ended by distracted drivers in stop-and-go traffic.
Lane splitting is slightly different from lane filtering, which is the practice of a motorcycle moving through slower or stationary traffic (such as at a stoplight or another type of traffic jam). When a motorcyclist is lane filtering, they are continually moving in front of other slow-moving or stopped vehicles to get to the front traffic. Motorcycle riders typically use this technique to get to the front of the line at a traffic light so they can avoid being caught in between two vehicles when traffic begins to move again.
Why Is Lane Splitting Dangerous?
One of the main reasons that lane splitting is dangerous is that this driving behavior essentially allows a moving vehicle to operate where one was not ever meant to be. When a motorcyclist rides in between rows of vehicles, even if they are all moving in the same direction, other motorists can be startled, and this could cause collisions. This has led many state lawmakers to become hesitant to even consider lane-splitting laws.
Who Is At Fault In A Lane Splitting Accident?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation shows that there were more than 3,000 total motorcycle crashes during the latest year of data available. Out of these incidents, there were 2,611 injuries and 164 fatalities. Motorcycle riders do not have much protection from the force of a vehicle when they get into an accident, and injuries from these incidents are often severe.
The negligence of passenger vehicle drivers causes many of these accidents. However, if an accident occurs because a motorcyclist is lane splitting in Pennsylvania, then the motorcyclist is likely going to be the at-fault party because they will have broken the law. Another driver may share partial blame if they were operating negligently as well, but the liability in this situation will largely fall on the motorcyclist.
Were you Injured?
If you were injured in a lane-splitting accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices, our experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyers can help look into your options.
Will this practice ever be legal in Pennsylvania?
In 2016, state legislators in California eliminated the ban on lane splitting for motorcyclists. Because California often leads the way with safety legislation, lawmakers in Pennsylvania could consider a change concerning lane splitting in the future. Currently, there is not much research on the safety benefits of this driving practice, so stay tuned for future changes to motorcycle safety laws as more information becomes available, or ask an accident attorney in Philadelphia.