The Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) released the results of a significant study of accidents involving motorcycles. Lane splitting, defined by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) “refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. It has thought by many to be a dangerous practice for bikers. However, according to a new survey, lane splitting is not as bad as people have historically believed.

The findings of the study confirm what the AMA has advocated all along; “responsible lane splitting is a safe and effective riding technique that can be beneficial for riders and motorists alike.”

Apparently, according to the study conducted at the University of California Berkeley, which reviewed almost 6,000 bike-related accidents between June 2012 and August 2103, “motorcyclists who split lanes in heavy traffic are significantly less likely to be struck from behind by other motorists, are less likely to suffer head or torso injuries and are less likely to sustain fatal injuries than other riders.”

Of the crashes examined in the study, nearly 1,000 crashes involved lane splitting at the time of the accident. The main cause of the accidents was not the act of lane splitting but speeding. In fact, 69 percent of the accidents attributed to lane-splitting involved bikers traveling at up to 15 mph over the speed limit.

Additionally, the report revealed, that when compared to bikers who got into accidents not attributed to lane splitting, injuries were less severe. Head injuries, body injuries, and even fatal injuries were less common in crashes that involved lane splitting. Another interesting point, accidents attributed to lane-splitting riders were less likely to have been riding while intoxicated (DWI).

It’s important to note, however, that even the most experienced motorcyclist can get into an accident and suffer severe injuries. You can’t be responsible for all the other motorists on the roadway at all times. If you or someone you love does get injured, contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in helping victims of motorcycle accidents in New Jersey. Andrew Prince, Esq. will protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries. Contact Mr. Prince today for free consultation about your accident.