Is Lane Splitting Legal in Oklahoma?
Lane splitting is not legal in Oklahoma. A controversial California traffic law allows lane splitting for motorcycles in slow-moving traffic, based on studies showing it reduces rear-end collisions. However, additional studies show an increase in serious accidents when motorcycle riders lane-split. California is the only U.S. state that currently allows lane splitting.
Regardless of opinions and contradicting studies, before riding a motorcycle in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to know the laws. A motorcycle accident attorney in Oklahoma City files injury claims for accident victims against the party that causes an accident. If a rider was lane-splitting when an accident occurred, they may not be able to recover compensation for their property damage or injury costs, and may be held liable for damages to others.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Standard motorcycles have a two-wheeled base rather than four, allowing a much slimmer profile that does not occupy an entire lane in traffic. Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle within the extra space between rows of traffic to move ahead of slow or stalled traffic. Lane filtering is a similar tactic that motorcyclists sometimes use to move to the front of the line when full-sized vehicles are stopped at traffic lights.
California’s adoption of lane splitting as a legal process is based on a study by the University of Berkeley. The study suggests that lane splitting reduces deadly rear-end collisions, which otherwise force a motorcycle into the vehicle directly ahead and potentially crush it between two cars. According to the study, allowing the motorcycle to move ahead of lines of slow-moving or stalled traffic by lane-splitting reduces these types of accidents and eases overall traffic congestion.
Oklahoma Traffic Laws Do Not Allow Lane Splitting
Under Oklahoma’s traffic laws for motorcycles, lane splitting is illegal. A motorcyclist may receive a traffic citation and a fine for lane splitting and have points added to their license. Lane splitting also leaves the motorcyclist liable for damages in an accident under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence laws.
Although some motorcyclists believe that lane splitting is a safe practice, Oklahoma takes the stance that it is an unpredictable action that may take a driver by surprise when the driver is attempting to change lanes, resulting in sideswipes and other collisions. Many traffic experts believe that predictable traffic patterns reduce accidents.
Lane splitting is inherently unpredictable. For example, even in California, where lane splitting is legal for motorcyclists, a motorcyclist may lane split only when traffic is moving slowly and may ride only a few miles per hour faster than the moving traffic. Some riders ignore these limitations or consider them subjective.
If you find yourself facing liability for lane-splitting in Oklahoma, contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer is a vital step in protecting your rights.
Understanding Liability in Oklahoma Lane Splitting Motorcycle Accidents
A motorcycle accident victim in Oklahoma or the family of a fatally injured victim in a wrongful death case has the burden of evidence against the responsible party when seeking compensation in a motorcycle accident or car accident claim. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
The evidence must show the following:
- The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the injury victim, including the duty to follow traffic laws
- They breached this duty through negligence (careless, reckless, or wrongful action)
- The breach of duty directly caused the accident and injury
- The injury victim suffered damages from the injury
Recoverable damages often include past and future medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Oklahoma City represents their client’s best interests throughout every step of their case. Contact a motorcycle accident attorney today to schedule a free consultation.