Bill Aims to Allow Lane Splitting for Motorcycles in Tennessee

by

Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated March 2, 2015 In Motorcycle Accident

It’s no secret that traffic can be horrendous in Middle Tennessee—and those at most risk in heavy traffic are motorcyclists. Vehicles often speed up and slow down and swerve in and out of lanes near motorcyclists, who only have a helmet as protection in the event of a collision.

To help reduce Tennessee motorcycle accidents, lawmakers are considering a new bill offering motorcyclists a chance to better protect themselves. Reports indicate the bill would allow motorcyclists to split lanes under certain traffic conditions.

Lane splitting is a maneuver common in many other parts of the world where motorcyclist travels between vehicles in two separate lanes. According to an article released by Motorcycle USA, H.B. 1102 would allow motorcyclists in Tennessee to do this as long as traffic is traveling at or below 45 mph and the motorcyclist doesn’t exceed the posted speed limit. Lane splitting would not be allowed in marked school zones where warning lights are flashing.

While lane splitting sounds dangerous, studies have shown it to improve motorcycle safety rates by reducing fatigue and exposure to vehicles whose speeds are fluctuating.

At Ponce Law, we are advocates of motorcycle safety, and our Nashville personal injury lawyers are anxiously awaiting to find out if this bill becomes a new law.