Is Lane Splitting Allowed in Georgia?
Other vehicles on the road are among the biggest dangers facing motorcyclists in Georgia. Severe congestion can place motorcyclists in danger of being rear-ended or sideswiped. Faced with this, some motorcyclists try to get through heavy traffic by engaging in a practice called lane splitting.
But is lane splitting legal in Georgia? The Weaver Law Firm is here to clear up some common misconceptions about lane splitting in Georgia.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in between two lanes of traffic. They’ll usually do this when both lanes have stopped moving or traffic is moving slowly. Instead of sitting in heavy traffic and leaving themselves open to a rear-end collision, motorcyclists might drive in the middle of the lanes to help avoid a crash.
Does Georgia Law Allow Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is illegal in Georgia, along with most other states. Georgia law states motorcycle riders cannot pass a vehicle within the same lane or ride between the lines, traffic lanes, or rows of vehicles. It does allow two motorcyclists to ride next to each other in a single lane, though.
Is Lane Splitting Safe or Dangerous?
Motorcycle safety advocates argue lane splitting helps riders avoid crashes and could lead to fewer accidents. They argue lane splitting has benefits such as the following:
- Letting riders get out of heavy traffic
- Making it easier for riders to get out of bad weather
- Lessening riders’ chances of being in a rear-end collision
However, many people argue lane-splitting actually makes roads less safe for motorcyclists. In their eyes, some of the potential downsides of lane splitting are:
- Making other accidents more likely when other drivers are startled by a passing motorcyclist
- Increasing the chances of accidents while other vehicles are switching lanes, merging, or passing
- Putting motorcyclists at increased risk of getting hit by car doors
So far, there’s not enough data to prove either side’s claims. In the meantime, riders should be aware that lane splitting is not legal in Georgia.
Accidents While Lane Splitting in Georgia: Who Is Liable?
There’s no easy answer to who’s liable for lane splitting accidents. While lane splitting is illegal, it may be that the other driver was the more negligent party. For example, if the driver who injured you was also violating the law or the rules of the road in some way, they could be found partially liable for the accident. Who’s responsible for the accident will depend on the particulars of the crash. A compassionate motorcycle accident lawyer can answer your questions about liability in a lane-splitting accident.
Can You Recover Damages After a Lane Splitting Accident in Georgia?
Just because motorcycle lane splitting in Georgia is illegal doesn’t mean you can’t recover compensation for your injuries. However, you will need to show that the other party involved in the accident was more negligent than you were, which can be difficult. If you are found to be more liable for the accident, you could be liable for any injuries they suffered. A lawyer can tell you more about what compensation you might be able to recover after a lane-splitting accident.