07-13-2016, 02:55 PM
I just returned from a trip to LA and San Diego where I spent 4 days in each city. I was in a car and had the opportunity to feel mc lane-splitters whizz by me for the first time. Very first time, caught me completely off guard. I had forgotten that it was even legal in CA. Fortunately, I was able to plan my daily trips so that I could avoid the worst of traffic, and any slow downs were just that, and for a few minutes. If I had to deal with LA traffic on a daily basis during heavy commute time, I think eventually I would take up lane-splitting, but my limit would probably be 10mph over other traffic. One thing about the officer from the video earlier in the thread--he commented negatively about other drivers who are not aware of a lane-splitter coming from behind because the car drivers are likely texting, facebooking, or otherwise just not paying attention. I would say they might just be focusing on what's ahead, paying attention to the car braking in front of them, thinking about where they have to go--they might be new to town like I was...in short, it doesn't seem to me that it's my responsibility to know what's coming up from behind me in the mini-lane between me and the car next to me--unless I'm switching lanes and then I always check blind spot and mirrors. But if I'm constantly checking mirrors for lane splitters, am I doing so at the expense of seeing that car brake in front of me suddenly?