close
test_template

The Need for Split Lanes for Motorcycles

About this sample

About this sample

close

Words: 979 |

Pages: 2|

5 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 979|Pages: 2|5 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Motorcycles Need a Split Lane

You hear the loud, ripping engine tear right past you out of nowhere- it’s a motorcycle, making its way through the traffic and leaving you in the dust. Some are surprised that this maneuver of driving in-between lanes is allowed because of how dangerous it seems at first, and some just get angry that they can ‘bend the rules’ and get past the traffic. But regardless of how this move makes other drivers feel, it might just be the only safe place for a motorcyclist to be on the road. Though many drivers will treat lane-splitting like it’s a controversial topic, it will make driving safer for motorcyclists and drivers overall.

'Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned'?

One of the biggest arguments against lane-splitting is that it’s ‘inherently unsafe.’ Why is that? According to drivers, it’s just unsafe because some fool will change lanes without checking their mirrors and run into a cyclist that they didn’t notice- but what they don’t understand is how much worse it could be for the cyclist if they had to sit behind and in front of other cars. The American Motorcycle Association has worked to change that incorrect point of view by explaining that, “one of the most dangerous situations for any on-highway motorcyclist is being caught in congested traffic, where stop-and-go vehicles, distracted and inattentive vehicle operators, and environmental conditions pose an increased risk of physical contact with another vehicle or hazard...Even minor contact under such conditions can be disastrous for motorcyclists” (LA Weekly). Hitting a motorcycle from behind and sandwiching it between two cars can not only do more damage than expected, but it can result in a murdered stranger. Also, motorcycles do not have auto-lock brakes because it would flip the machine over, so the only real way for a cyclist to avoid dangerous circumstances is to move away in-between lanes. Otherwise, they end up as a stain on the freeway. When drivers complain about motorcycles having the ability to drive past them in traffic, they should be aware that it’s not just to get ahead, it could potentially save their lives.

In addition to accidents, there are those people that don’t check their mirrors before changing lanes. Not only is this dangerous to other drivers that could get hit as a result of not paying attention, but it could also result in major injury for a motorcyclist trying to use the split lane. Since California recently legalized the use of split lanes by motorcyclists, the hope is that this will force drivers and cyclists to learn the new safety measures and finally minimize the number of accidents on the freeways. Nicholas Harris, a Representative of the American Motorcyclist Association explained why “we think it’s a great idea...It will give the [California Highway Patrol] the authority it needs to educate the drivers and riders of California on the safe guidelines” (LA Times). With this law in place, it will require both drivers and cyclists to comply with the new laws and speed limits set as a result. This should lower the numbers of deaths and injuries caused by people that just don’t pay attention. Of course, there will always be those people that disregard the law and do whatever they want, but this should change the way people view lane-changing and swerving.

Another huge danger for motorcyclists is not the cars around it, but the weather conditions. Since a motorcycle is unprotected from the elements, it is the cyclist’s job to stay protected. Lane-splitting can be beneficial because it gets the cyclist through the patch of poor weather faster so they don’t have to suffer without air conditioning or without a heater. A website that clarifies information from the DMV has a page entitled “Motorcycles and Weather Conditions,” dedicated to safe procedures for cyclists in dangerous weather, and it provides some important measures that can be taken so that everyone is kept safe on the road. For example, in the rain, the website suggests that cyclists “avoid last-minute reactions whenever possible. In wet weather, you must plan ahead to determine when you will need to accelerate or brake.” Because rain poses many threats on the road, it’s very important that motorcyclists can have access to the split lane because it will keep them from having to perform such hasty maneuvers. They can just keep rolling along without having to worry too much about the cars in front of or behind them. Additionally, in extremely hot conditions, it is imperative that cyclists get to where they’re going as soon as possible so they don’t have to risk being in the heat for too long, so splitting lanes could get them somewhere safe that much quicker, or at least it will get them to the next rest stop so they can fill up for a water break. Because of the unpredictability of nature, it is necessary that motorcyclists can use the split lane for their own safety if the weather is too harsh for normal driving.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

If every driver were perfect, we would never have to watch another story about a dead or severely injured motorcyclist, but unfortunately, that just isn’t the case. With California finally legalizing lane-splitting for motorcyclists however, the state will finally have the chance to see new restrictions and freedoms that will make the road safer for everyone, not just the motorcyclists themselves. The next time you witness a motorcyclist whip past you in bumper-to-bumper traffic, instead of getting angry and going out of your way to hinder them, just imagine how much worse it could be. If you decide for yourself that you don’t want this person’s blood on your hands, since that is usually the outcome of an accident between cyclist and driver, perhaps a cyclist exercising their right to thwart Rush Hour traffic isn’t the worst thing in the world.

Image of Dr. Oliver Johnson
This essay was reviewed by
Dr. Oliver Johnson

Cite this Essay

The Need For Split Lanes For Motorcycles. (2019, March 12). GradesFixer. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-argument-in-favor-of-governments-providing-split-lanes-for-motorcycles/
“The Need For Split Lanes For Motorcycles.” GradesFixer, 12 Mar. 2019, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-argument-in-favor-of-governments-providing-split-lanes-for-motorcycles/
The Need For Split Lanes For Motorcycles. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-argument-in-favor-of-governments-providing-split-lanes-for-motorcycles/> [Accessed 29 Mar. 2024].
The Need For Split Lanes For Motorcycles [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2019 Mar 12 [cited 2024 Mar 29]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-argument-in-favor-of-governments-providing-split-lanes-for-motorcycles/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now