(Newswire.net — September 14, 2015) — California’s legislature is considering sweeping changes to its Vehicle Code. The bill in Assembly, AB 51, would restrict the rights of motorcyclists across the state. If passed and signed into law, the changes would come into effect immediately and make the road more dangerous for bikers. California’s reputation as one of the best states to ride will be in severe jeopardy and the door will have been opened for further, more restrictive action.
The proposal can be read on the state Leginfo site here. Motorcyclists have been urging the state for years now to allow lane splitting, but the way that the Assembly is going about it could make some aspects of riding more dangerous. As currently amended, motorcyclists would be able to lane split at a maximum of fifty miles per hour and not travel more than 15 mph faster than the flow of traffic. This does represent a bit of improvement over the original bill– which only allowed a speed difference of ten mph and only in traffic of thirty mpg or less.
Currently the bill is in committee in the State Senate. The Assembly passed it in June by a vote of 58-14. Unfortunately, what the legislature does not seem to understand is the precaution taken by a motorcyclist every time they suit up and take off. Practice and skill are what reduce accidents on the road and nearly every biker understands that.
Restrictions on lane splitting based on political considerations in Sacramento rather than the actual flow of traffic in a real world situation can put lives at risk. The rider him or herself understands what speed is necessary to avoid collisions with other drivers, especially those that are not watchful for motorcycles on the road.
Lane splitting with conditions such as these does nothing to protect the rider from careless drivers. If riders are severely hurt or killed due to this action, it is important that the family is well prepared to fight back. Here at Ehline Law we’ve prided ourselves at fighting for those killed due to wrongful death motorcycle accidents. Our lead attorney, Michael Ehline, is an avid motorcycle enthusiast that wants to make sure that the roads are safe for him and everyone else. Contact us for more information about the upcoming changes to the California Vehicle Code or for advice regarding lane splitting accidents. Only through concerted effort can our communities become safer.