California study weighs risk of lane splitting (w/video)

SACRAMENTO — A California study of a driving maneuver in which motorcyclists pass stalled traffic by going between lanes finds the practice poses no more danger than riding a motorcycle in general.

If the motorcyclist, however, is speeding or riding more than 10 mph faster than traffic, the risk goes up.

The study by the University of California, Berkeley was commissioned by the California Highway Patrol and the state's Office of Traffic Safety. It was reported by the Sacramento Bee (http://bit.ly/1ouGdII ) on Tuesday.

It also found lane splitters are less likely to be rear-ended by car drivers but are more likely to rear-end other vehicles.

Lane splitting is legal in California, though car and truck drivers often complain it is dangerous.

The CHP earlier this year took down guidelines for lane splitting over concerns they might be misconstrued as enforceable laws.

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Information from: The Sacramento Bee, http://www.sacbee.com