Ross Jurewitz Appears on KUSI News to Discuss California’s New Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws

SAN DIEGO - May 2, 2013 - PRLog -- During the interview, Mr. Jurewitz explained that, according to a local poll, 50% of motorists in California are not aware that motorcycles are legally allowed to pass other vehicles on the road by driving between them.

Lane Splitting Defined

California is the only state in America that does not explicitly outlaw motorcyclists from sharing lanes and passing between other motor vehicles, a process known as “lane splitting.”  In an effort to promote safety and awareness regarding this practice, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued its first definition of and guidelines for legal lane splitting.

The CHP defines the practice of lane splitting as “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.” The guidelines also state that lane sharing is not advisable when traffic speed is at least 30 mph or faster and should only be practiced when it is “safe and prudent” to do so. Inexperienced motorcyclists, however, should not attempt lane splitting at any time. More information on lane splitting can be found at http://www.chp.ca.gov/programs/lanesplitguide.html.

Raising Awareness

Before the guidelines were issued, recent studies and polls have found that 10% of motorists have actively attempted to prevent motorcyclists from lane splitting by blocking motorcycles from passing or even opening vehicle doors to obstruct or injure motorcyclists. The CHP and motorcycle advocacy groups worked together to create the newly defined lane splitting rules in the hopes of making roads safer for both motorists and motorcyclists by raising awareness about what motorcycles can and cannot legally do.

Motorcycle Safety Handbook

Mr. Jurewitz is a strong advocate for the updated lane splitting guidelines, having faced motor vehicle accident cases at his law firm on a daily basis. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are often at risk of injury by negligent drivers who are unaware of how to safely share the road with motorcycles. In an effort to help promote safer roads for all motorists, the Jurewitz Law Group has published The Ultimate California Motorcycle Accident Book that is free to download from the law firm’s website at www.jurewitz.com/reports/ (http://www.jurewitz.com/reports/ultimate-motorcycle-book....).

Helping Vehicle Accident Victims and Their Families Recover

The San Diego personal injury attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group help accident victims and family members who have lost loved ones get the compensation they deserve. With over 10 years of experience, Ross Jurewitz is dedicated to protecting the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured in vehicle accidents that have been caused by negligent drivers.