Lane splitting is one of the most misunderstood aspects of California traffic law. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides alongside a car in a single lane of traffic. Many motorists are annoyed by lane splitting because they do not understand that this process is legal and often essential to operating a motorcycle safely.
Many Los Angeles area motorcycle accidents occur when drivers fail to see a motorcyclist who is lane splitting. Drivers who are in slow-moving or stopped traffic should always look for both other cars and motorcycles before making any abrupt moves.
State officials say that most fatal motorcycle accidents can be attributed to three things: improper turning, speeding, and driver intoxication. Young motorcyclists are disproportionately more likely to be involved in fatal crashes of any type. Motorcyclists between the ages of 15 and 24 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident when compared with drivers over the age of 24.
The vast majority of fatal motorcycle accident victims are also male. According to the California Highway Patrol, males typically represent 90 percent of California motorcycle accident deaths.