Motorcycles are smaller than regular vehicles and can maneuver in smaller spaces on the road. While they are physically able to weave between cars in standstill traffic, they legally aren’t allowed to in New Mexico. Road splitting, or motorcyclists driving in between cars and lanes is incredibly dangerous and can lead to serious accidents for the riders. Even if it were legal, motorcyclists still shouldn’t road split because it can cause injuries and other damages.
When you’ve been in an accident on a motorcycle that wasn’t your fault, then you could use the help of a motorcycle accident lawyer from our firm. We’ll help you financially recover from your collision so that you can focus on recovering from your physical and emotional injuries. Buckingham & Vega Law Firm is here to represent you and get you the justice you deserve.
The Dangers of Road Splitting
As mentioned above, weaving in between traffic, whether standstill or moving, is illegal for motorcyclists and is considered road splitting. Even though it might seem like it’s a way to get around traffic and makes your commute on your bike better, it’s dangerous for everyone involved, especially the rider.
Here are some of the dangerous aspects of road splitting to consider so that you ride safely:
- Vehicles Become Too Close. When motorcycles are weaving in between vehicles, they reduce the space between the two. Typically, when driving regularly in lanes, motorists leave each other plenty of space so that they can stay safe. When a rider crosses through lanes, they get closer to the vehicles around them, and can accidentally collide into the car or clip their wheel from misjudging the distance. This can throw the rider from their bike and cause them injuries like broken bones, burns, and road rash, as well as other injuries from the impact.
- Drivers Can’t See Motorcyclists Approaching. Drivers in cars are typically vigilant for other cars and trucks that are on the road, but have trouble spotting motorcyclists because they’re smaller and harder to see. This can cause accidents to happen because drivers don’t see the motorcyclists and don’t expect them to be weaving through traffic, and then can crash into them.
- Cars Can Stop Abruptly. Traffic can be unpredictable. When a motorcyclist is road splitting, they are anticipating that the cars act as they expect to. However, drivers don’t always make predictable choices and can make decisions that lead them to collide with the bikers. If a car stops abruptly, a motorcyclist could crash into the rear end of a car, and potentially get a head injury. If the car switches lanes when a rider isn’t expecting them to, then they could collide with the side of the motorcyclist and cause them to be thrown from their bike and sustain injuries.
- Accidents Can’t Be Avoided as Easily. All of the factors above can cause accidents because they reduce the amount of time that both drivers and bikers have to react before a wreck happens. When there is plenty of time to react, motorcyclists can avoid collisions by stopping or veering away from the car, but when they don’t have the space or time to brake, they will end up colliding with the vehicle.
Motorcyclists and drivers alike need to be careful when there’s heavy traffic, or even when the roads seem clear. You never know when another motorist will come out of nowhere. That’s why it’s important to drive predictably, go the speed limit, and always remain vigilant for other drivers. Otherwise, you could get into a collision that causes serious injuries and damages.
Buckingham & Vega Law Firm Can Help
New Mexico is a great place to take your motorcycle out for a ride. However, accidents can happen even for the most careful riders. That’s why Buckingham & Vega Law Firm is here to help you. We understand that your accident wasn’t your fault, and that you need experienced legal representation to defend your rights.
When you were in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver or party, then we will fight to defend you and ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for their actions. We will fully investigate what happened, prove their fault, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Reach out to our office today to get started on your claim.