| As advised by the California Drivers Handbook, | | | | Motorcycle Handbook, directed at motorcyclists |
| motorists should make a visual check for motorcycles | | | | states, |
| using their mirrors and by checking in their blind spots. | | | | Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate |
| Motorists are cautioned to be aware that various | | | | safely. Lane sharing is not safe. Riding between rows |
| road conditions, such as potholes, gravel, railroad | | | | of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can |
| crossings, pavement seams or wet surfaces may | | | | leave you vulnerable. A car could turn suddenly or |
| cause a motorcyclist to change speed or direction | | | | change lanes, a door could open, or a hand could |
| suddenly. Motorists are also advised to allow a four | | | | come out of a window. |
| second following distance to avoid hitting a | | | | We have seen all of the above-referenced incidents |
| motorcyclist who may be ejected as a result of an | | | | and, at times, the rider sustained serious injuries - |
| accident. | | | | even though he did nothing wrong. This cautionary |
| An abrupt lane change or open door, however, is not | | | | sentiment is also directed to the general motoring |
| the only danger. Some motorists will actually try to | | | | public in the California Drivers Handbook which states, |
| squeeze into your lane even knowing that you're | | | | Allow the motorcycle a full lane width. Although it is |
| there. As indicated in the California Motorcycle | | | | not illegal to share lanes with motorcycles, it is |
| Handbook, it advisable to discourage lane sharing by | | | | unsafe. |
| other vehicles by keeping "a center-portion position | | | | Moreover, even though lane splitting is permitted, |
| whenever drivers might be tempted to squeeze by | | | | riders can be cited for other violations, such as |
| you." The Motorcycle Handbook goes on to warn | | | | unsafe speed for conditions or an unsafe lane change. |
| that, | | | | The bottom line is that you should use common |
| Drivers are most tempted to do this: | | | | sense and not put yourself in obvious danger. By far |
| In heavy, bumper-to-bumper traffic. | | | | the most frequent cause of lane-splitting accidents in |
| When they want to pass you. | | | | which the motorcyclist is found at fault is the |
| When you are preparing to turn at an | | | | motorcyclist's excessive speed, which dramatically |
| intersection. | | | | cuts down on reaction time. While other motorists |
| When you are getting in an exit lane or leaving | | | | have an absolute responsibility to watch out for us, |
| the highway. | | | | we all know that not everyone does. Even though |
| Even conceding that other motorists have a | | | | the other motorist may be found at fault, that's not |
| responsibility to look out for us, both the California | | | | going to help you recover from a serious injury. We |
| Motorcycle Handbook and the California Drivers | | | | need to adjust our riding habits according to the |
| Handbook caution against lane-splitting. The | | | | traffic and road conditions. |