3 Things To NEVER Do While Lane Splitting

MotoJitsu®
16 Jul 202306:37
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script advises against lane splitting for inexperienced riders due to the high skill and awareness required. It emphasizes the importance of knowing one's motorcycle well, predicting other drivers' actions, and using bright lights for visibility. The narrator shares tips for safe lane splitting, including not exceeding traffic speed by more than 10-15 mph, and understanding that cars are not obligated to move for motorcycles. The script concludes with a reminder that lane splitting should only be done between two or more lanes moving in the same direction.

Takeaways
  • 🚫 Never attempt lane splitting if you're a new rider; you need to know your bike very well and have excellent braking and swerving skills.
  • 🛑 Lane splitting is not mandatory; it's a choice, and some consider it too dangerous, especially if they're not familiar with their bike's dimensions.
  • 👀 Be predictive of both your actions and those of other drivers; always be prepared for cars to take any opening in traffic.
  • 🚦 Use bright and clear lights, including hazard lights, to increase visibility and signal your presence to drivers.
  • 🚗 Maintain a speed that is no more than 10-15 mph faster than the flow of traffic to avoid dangerous differential speeds.
  • 🚫 Do not assume that drivers will move out of your way; lane splitting is not a right, but a privilege that requires awareness and caution.
  • 📏 Know the dimensions of your motorcycle, especially the widest parts, to ensure you can fit between lanes without incident.
  • 🚧 If you can't fit between lanes, don't split; it's crucial to have a good understanding of your bike's size and the space available.
  • 🚨 Be extra cautious when merging or exiting the highway, as drivers may not expect motorcycles to be lane splitting in these areas.
  • 🔄 Lane splitting is legal only when two or more lanes are going in the same direction; it's not allowed to pass on the outside of a single lane.
  • 🛣️ On multi-lane highways, the best place to lane split is between the first and second lanes, avoiding the areas where drivers are merging.
Q & A

  • What is the primary advice given for new riders regarding lane splitting?

    -The primary advice for new riders is not to attempt lane splitting until they are very familiar with their bike, its dimensions, and have good judgment, timing, and control over breaking and swerving.

  • Why is lane splitting considered dangerous for inexperienced riders?

    -Lane splitting is considered dangerous for inexperienced riders because it requires a deep understanding of the bike's dimensions, the ability to make quick judgments, and the skill to brake and swerve effectively to avoid collisions.

  • What is the significance of using bright lights and hazard signals while lane splitting?

    -Using bright lights and hazard signals increases the visibility of the motorcyclist, allowing drivers to see the rider coming from a distance and potentially move out of the way, reducing the risk of accidents.

  • Why is it recommended not to exceed 10-15 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic while lane splitting?

    -Exceeding the flow of traffic by more than 10-15 miles per hour can create a dangerous speed differential, making it harder for other drivers to react and increasing the likelihood of an accident.

  • According to the script, what is the recommended pace for lane splitting?

    -The recommended pace for lane splitting is to ride at an easy pace, slightly faster than the flow of traffic, allowing other drivers time to see and react to the motorcyclist.

  • What should a motorcyclist do when they see an opening between cars?

    -A motorcyclist should be prepared for a car to take the opening and should be ready to swerve or brake if necessary. It's important to predict the actions of other drivers and not assume they will give way.

  • Why is it said that lane splitting is not for everyone, even if it's legal?

    -Lane splitting is not for everyone because it requires a high level of skill, awareness, and understanding of one's own bike and the surrounding traffic. Some people may find it too dangerous and prefer not to engage in it, which is a personal choice.

  • What is the 'if you can't fit, don't split' rule mentioned in the script?

    -The 'if you can't fit, don't split' rule emphasizes that if a motorcyclist cannot comfortably fit between the lanes, they should not attempt to lane split to avoid the risk of collision.

  • What are the conditions for legal lane splitting according to the script?

    -Legal lane splitting requires two or more lanes going in the same direction. It is not allowed to pass on the outside of lanes going in the same direction, and the motorcyclist must stay in the middle of the lanes.

  • Why is it advised to lane split between the first and second lanes on a multi-lane highway?

    -It is advised to lane split between the first and second lanes on a multi-lane highway because the farther right you go, the more likely it is that drivers are merging onto or off the highway, which can be more dangerous for a motorcyclist.

  • What is the final piece of advice given for motorcyclists who decide to lane split?

    -The final piece of advice is to ensure that motorcyclists know what they are doing, understand the dimensions of their bike, and are proficient in braking and swerving. They should also be aware that cars are not obligated to move for them and should predict the actions of other drivers as if they are not paying attention.

Outlines
00:00
🛵 Safety First: Lane Splitting for Experienced Riders Only

The first paragraph emphasizes the importance of experience and skill for motorcycle riders considering lane splitting. It advises new riders against attempting this maneuver due to its inherent risks, such as close proximity to vehicles and the need for excellent braking and swerving abilities. The speaker also highlights the importance of being able to predict other drivers' actions and using high-visibility lights to increase safety. The paragraph concludes by stressing that lane splitting is a personal choice and not a necessity, even in areas where it is legally permitted.

05:00
🚦 Lane Splitting Rules and Best Practices

The second paragraph outlines the rules and best practices for lane splitting, including the requirement for two or more lanes moving in the same direction. It explains that lane splitting should be done in the middle of the lanes and not on the outside, as it is illegal to pass on the left or right in this context. The speaker also advises on the best location for lane splitting on a four-lane highway and cautions riders to be careful when exiting or merging, as other drivers may not expect motorcycles to be lane splitting in these areas. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to subscribe and visit the speaker's website for more information.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Lane Splitting
Lane splitting refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. In the video, it is the central theme, with the speaker discussing the safety and legality of this practice, particularly in California. The script emphasizes that lane splitting should be done with caution and is not mandatory, even where it is allowed.
💡New Riders
New Riders are inexperienced motorcyclists who are advised against lane splitting due to the need for advanced skills and understanding of one's motorcycle. The script suggests that new riders should not attempt lane splitting until they are proficient in controlling their bike, braking, and swerving, as well as having good judgment and timing.
💡Judgment
Judgment, in the context of the video, pertains to the ability to make sound decisions quickly, especially when assessing traffic conditions and potential risks during lane splitting. The script mentions that good judgment is essential for knowing when and how to lane split safely, avoiding situations where a car might unexpectedly move into the motorcycle's path.
💡Visibility
Visibility is crucial for motorcyclists, as it helps ensure that they are seen by other drivers, particularly when lane splitting. The video mentions the use of hazard lights and bright, clear water lights with yellow covers to increase visibility, illustrating how these can alert drivers to the presence of a motorcycle and potentially prevent accidents.
💡Traffic Flow
Traffic flow refers to the movement of vehicles in a traffic stream, and in the video, it is advised that motorcyclists should not exceed a speed more than 10-15 miles per hour faster than the flow to avoid creating a dangerous speed differential. This concept is integral to the safety tips provided for lane splitting.
💡Predictive Behavior
Predictive behavior involves anticipating the actions of other road users and preparing for various outcomes. The script emphasizes the importance of being predictive when lane splitting, as it helps motorcyclists to be prepared for sudden movements by other vehicles, such as cars changing lanes without warning.
💡Rear-ended
Being rear-ended is a risk mentioned in the video that motorcyclists face when not lane splitting and instead sitting in traffic. The script suggests that the risk of a rear-end collision is greater when stopped in traffic compared to when lane splitting, provided it is done safely and with proper awareness.
💡Motorcycle Dimensions
Understanding the dimensions of one's motorcycle is highlighted in the script as a key aspect of safe lane splitting. Knowing the widest parts of the bike, such as the handlebars, mirrors, or side cases, is crucial to avoid collisions with other vehicles when navigating through tight spaces.
💡Control
Control in the video refers to the motorcyclist's ability to manage the bike's speed, braking, and steering. The script mentions that knowing how to control the motorcycle is essential for safe lane splitting, as it allows the rider to react quickly and effectively to traffic conditions and potential hazards.
💡Hazards
Hazards, in the context of the video, refer to the hazard lights on a motorcycle, which are used to increase visibility when lane splitting. The script describes how turning on the hazards, along with using bright lights, can help signal the motorcycle's presence to other drivers and encourage them to make room or adjust their movements.
💡Lane Merging
Lane merging is the act of moving a vehicle from one lane to another, often to enter or exit a highway. The video script mentions that lane splitting is best done far left, between the first and second lanes, to avoid areas where cars are more likely to merge, thus reducing the risk of accidents.
Highlights

Lane splitting is not recommended for newer riders due to the need for excellent bike handling skills and good judgment.

Riders should only lane split if they feel comfortable and are not forced to do so, even in places like California where it's allowed.

The risk of getting rear-ended is higher when not lane splitting, especially if the rider is not visible to other drivers.

Being too fast while lane splitting can lead to accidents as drivers may not have time to react.

Riders should be predictive of their own actions and anticipate what other drivers may do, especially when there's an opening in traffic.

Using hazard lights and bright, clear water lights with yellow covers can increase visibility while lane splitting.

Maintaining a speed no more than 10-15 mph faster than the flow of traffic is crucial for safe lane splitting.

Riders should not assume that cars will move out of the way and should be prepared for any situation.

Lane splitting is not for everyone, and riders should know their bike's dimensions and handling capabilities.

Riders should understand that cars are not obligated to move for them, and lane splitting requires good timing and judgment.

If a rider cannot fit between lanes safely, they should not attempt to lane split.

Lane splitting should only be done in situations where two or more lanes are moving in the same direction.

Riders should be aware of the legal requirements for lane splitting, such as not passing on the outside of lanes.

The best place to lane split on a four-lane highway is between the first and second lanes, away from merging traffic.

When exiting a highway, riders should be cautious and avoid lane splitting too far over to prevent accidents.

Riders should always be vigilant and not assume that other drivers are paying attention or following the rules.

The importance of knowing one's bike and its dimensions is emphasized for safe lane splitting.

A final reminder to subscribe and visit the website for more information on safe motorcycle riding practices.

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Lane SplittingMotorcycle SafetyRider TipsCalifornia LawTraffic AwarenessRear-Ended RiskPredictive RidingVisibility GearSpeed ControlNew RidersMotorcycle Education