Loading doors swing open on a truck as motorcycle driver is safely sharing the lane at a reasonable speed in California (where it’s allowed by law).
Truck driver with unsafe/unsecured load fled the scene of the accident and was found at fault by California State Police using this video. Damage to motorcycle’s SKB/Caribou top case totaled it, as it would no longer close properly, and it was replaced under warranty. Bike is a 2007 Suzuki Vstrom DL1000.
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering, or white-lining refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.
Lane splitting should not be performed by inexperienced riders. When choosing to lane split, skilled motorcycle riders should consider the following:
Traffic flow – Travel at a speed that is no more than 10 mph faster than other traffic; danger increases at higher speed differentials. Lane splitting is notadvised when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster; danger increases as overall speed increases.
Traffic lanes – Lane splitting is encouraged to be done between the #1 and #2 lanes; typically, it is safer to lane split in these lanes than between other lanes.
Environment – The total environment should be considered, including the width of the lanes, size of surrounding vehicles, the roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
Hazards – Riders should anticipate possible movements by other road users and be alert at all times.
NOTE:These general guidelines assume a high level of riding competency and experience and do not guarantee to keep you safe. Every rider has the ultimate responsibility for his or her own decision making and safety. Riders must be conscious of reducing crash risk at all times.
