Motorcycles need a divided laneFeel the loud, tearing engine come past you out of nowhere – it's a motorcycle, weaving its way through traffic and leaving you in the dust . Some are surprised that this cross-lane driving maneuver is allowed because of how dangerous it may seem at first, and some get angry simply because they can "break the rules" and overtake traffic. But regardless of how this move might make other drivers feel, it may be the only safe place a motorcyclist can be on the road. While many drivers will view lane splitting as a controversial topic, it will make driving safer for motorcyclists and motorists in general. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the biggest arguments against lane splitting is that it is “inherently dangerous.” Why? According to motorists, it is simply dangerous because some fools will change lanes without checking their mirrors and come across a cyclist they didn't notice, but what they don't understand is how much worse it could be for the cyclist if they were to do so. sit behind and in front of other cars. The American Motorcycle Association has worked to change this misguided view by explaining that “one of the most dangerous situations for any motorcyclist on the highway is finding himself trapped in congested traffic, where stop-and-go vehicles, distracted and inattentive operators, and conditions environmental conditions pose a greater risk of physical contact with another vehicle or hazard… Even minimal contact in such conditions can be disastrous for motorcyclists” (LA Weekly). Hitting a motorcycle from behind and wedging it between two cars can not only cause more damage than expected, but can result in the death of a stranger. Furthermore, motorcycles are not equipped with automatically locking brakes because the machine would tip over, so the only real way for a cyclist to avoid dangerous circumstances is to move away between lanes. Otherwise they end up as a stain on the highway. When drivers complain that motorcycles have the ability to pass them in traffic, they should be aware that it is not just to get ahead, but could potentially save their lives. In addition to accidents, there are people who don't check their mirrors before changing lanes. Not only is this dangerous to other drivers who may be hit due to inattention, but it could also cause serious injury to a motorcyclist attempting to use the split lane. Since California recently legalized the use of separated lanes by motorcyclists, the hope is that this will force drivers and cyclists to learn new safety measures and finally minimize the number of accidents on highways. Nicholas Harris, a representative of the American Motorcyclist Association, explained why "we think this is a great idea... It will give the [California Highway Patrol] the authority it needs to educate California drivers and motorcyclists about the guidelines of safety" (LA Times). With this law in place, both drivers and cyclists will have to abide by the new laws and the speed limits set accordingly. This should reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by people who simply aren't paying attention. Of course, there will always be people who don't follow the law and do what they want, but this should change the way people view lane changes and swerving. Another huge danger for motorcyclists is not the cars around, but the weather conditions. So long as.
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