Is It Legal to Lane Split in Texas?

Lane splitting may not be a term that many non-motorcyclists are familiar with, but this is a popular practice in some areas throughout the country and here in Texas. If you have ever seen a motorcycle ride in between two lanes of traffic they are heading in the same direction, then you have seen a motorcyclist lane splitting. However, we want to discuss whether or not lane splitting is legal in Texas. Here, we will further define lane splitting, its dangers, and the legalities behind these actions.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is a controversial practice of motorcyclists traveling between two lanes of vehicles that are moving in the same direction. When lane splitting, the motorcyclist will travel between the vehicles while riding on the center dotted line. In many cases, motorcyclists do this when traffic is moving very slowly or stopped at a stoplight. There have long been advocates for motorcyclist lane splitting, and a study from U.C. Berkley actually indicates that lane splitting increases motorcyclist safety, and can reduce motorcycle accidents, by decreasing the chance that the cyclist will be rear-ended in stop and go traffic. The research indicates that lane splitting is generally safe when it happens in traffic moving slower than 50 mph so long as the motorcyclist does not operate 15 mph faster than surrounding traffic.However, lane splitting is not legal in Texas. The only state where lane splitting for motorcyclists is permitted in the United States is California.

What Are the Penalties for Splitting Lanes in Texas?

Motorcyclists can be pulled over and ticketed for lane splitting in Texas. Motorcyclists who are stopped by law enforcement officials could face a citation and a fine of up to $175.Additionally, it is crucial to understand that motorcyclists face other risks aside from possible citations and fines. Some of the potential hazards that motorcyclists face when they participate in lane splitting include:

• Car doors opening
• Hands or objects coming out of car windows
• Vehicles turning unexpectedly
• Vehicles changing lanes unexpectedly

Can Motorcyclists Ride Side by Side?

Yes, Texas law does allow two motorcyclists to share a lane when they are moving in the same direction. You will often hear this referred to as motorcyclists riding “two abreast.” In group rides, it is not uncommon to see many motorcyclists riding side by side in the same lane.

Motorcycle Accidents Affect Texans

Motorcyclists face significant risks on the roadways in and around Texas. Motorcyclists do not have the same level of protection that those inside vehicles do, and even a seemingly minor crash can result in severe injuries. Lane splitting accidents could result in severe injuries for a motorcyclist as well. It is not uncommon for a motorcycle crash in Texas to result in the following injuries for victims:

• Broken and dislocated bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Concussions
• Open head wounds
• Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
• Other severe back and neck injury
• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations and road rash
• Significant scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional and psychological trauma

Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to various types of compensation in the event they are injured due to the careless or negligent actions of another driver on the roadway. This can include compensation for their medical bills, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering damages, and more.

Are Motorcyclists Required to Wear Helmets in Texas?

There are plenty of motorcyclists who live in Texas or visit this state on a regular basis. However, motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable when it comes to motorcycle accidents involving other passenger vehicles. While it is generally understood that helmets save lives in the event a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, motorcycle helmet laws are not mandatory in every state throughout the country. The Texas law requires that any motorcyclist under the age of 21 wear a helmet. However, those 21 years of age or older are not required to wear a helmet if they:

• Have successfully completed a motorcycle operator safety and training course, OR
• They are covered by a health insurance policy that provides for medical benefits for injuries if they are involved in a motorcycle accident while riding or operating a motorcycle.

What Are the Benefits of Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcycle helmets save nearly 2,000 lives each year. The CDC estimates that if all motorcyclists wore helmets, more than 800 lives could have been saved during a recent reporting year. Further, the CDC says that helmets reduce the risk of motorcyclist fatalities by 37%, and they reduce the risk of a head injury by 69%. Additionally, a motorcycle helmet is not only beneficial in the event a collision occurs, but a helmet can also help deflect roadway debris and other objects from striking a person in the head, face, or neck. Loose debris on the roadway is often sent flying in the direction of a motorcyclist by the wheels of other vehicles. As many motorcyclists in Texas are aware, there are very large insects in this state. When a motorcyclist is operating at a higher rate of speed, an impact from a large insect can have several negative consequences. The severity of impacts with roadway debris or insects can be lessened by wearing a helmet.

What Are Possible Injuries From Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet?

When we turn to data provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 410 motorcyclist fatalities during the latest reporting year across the state. The DOT says that 45% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. However, many motorcyclists involved in accidents were not killed. Unfortunately, those who do not wear a helmet are much more likely to sustain significant injuries in the event a collision occurs. This includes serious open head wounds as well as severe traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injury survivors often face significant long-term disabilities caused by the personal injury, including complete or partial paralysis, decreased cognitive function, an inability to control emotions, and more. The most common excuses that motorcyclists claim for lack of helmet use are that helmets impair their vision and/or are not comfortable. When it comes to protecting yourself and ensuring that you get back to your loved ones each day, the benefits of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle far outweigh any negatives.

Texas Bicycle Laws: What You Need To Know

Riding a bicycle can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. Whether a bicyclist is a recreational rider or someone who uses the cycle as their regular mode of transportation, it is important to understand that bicyclists face more risks than others in or around the roadway. In an effort to mitigate the risks involved in riding a bicycle, both drivers and bicyclists need to understand Texas bicycle laws and how they apply. Here, we want to review some of the basic Texas bicycle laws so you can remain safe on the roadway.

Texas Cycling Laws You Should Know

There is no doubt that bicycling can be dangerous, particularly because bicyclists typically operate around other vehicles, trucks, buses, etc. However, it is important to understand that bicycles are generally considered vehicles under state law and should be afforded the same rights as other vehicles. Conversely, bicyclists are required to follow traffic laws when they are on the roadway. Some of the basic bicycle laws in Texas are as follows:

• Bicyclists should only ride on streets, roadways, bike paths, and other routes specifically designated for bicycle riding.
• Bicycles should not be ridden into bicycle racks. Rather, a bicyclist should dismount upon arrival and place their bike into an available space.
• Bicycles are considered vehicles, and the bicyclist must obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. This includes stopping at all stop signs and all red lights.
• Bicyclists may ride two-abreast on the roadway, but shall not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic.
• A person using a bicycle may not carry more passengers then the bicycle is designated for.
• Bicyclists may not carry any objects that prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
• Bicyclists must extend their hands to perform arm signals regarding their intent to stop or turn.
• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake capable of making the braked wheel skid on dry, clean, and level pavement.
• Bicycles can only be operated at nighttime if they are equipped with a headlamp that is visible from a distance of 500 feet in front of the bike and a rear red reflector or red lamp visible from a distance of 300 feet or 500 feet, respectively.
• A bicycle rider who is moving slower than other traffic on the roadway should ride as near as possible to the right curb or right edge of the roadway.

Under the following circumstances, bicyclists are allowed to take the full lane of travel:

• When the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction.
• What the person is preparing to make a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.
• When there are unsafe conditions on the roadway that prohibit riding safely near the right side of the road.
• When the lane is substandard width, making it unsafe for a bicyclist and motor vehicle to travel side by side.

While Texas does not have a statewide helmet law requirement for bicyclists, all bicycle riders, including electric bicycle riders, are strongly encouraged to wear helmets to protect them from open head wounds and traumatic brain injuries.

Texas Bicycle Accident Statistics

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 2,547 total bicycle crashes reported during the latest year of data available. Out of these incidents, there were:

• 16 fatalities
• 312 suspected serious injuries
• 1,102 non-incapacitating injuries
• 878 possible injuries

When looking at this data, it is clearly evident that bicycle operators have a high probability of being injured in the event a collision occurs with another passenger vehicle on the roadway. By following the laws mentioned above, both drivers and bicycle riders will take steps to mitigate risks and stay safe on the roadway.

Most Commonly Broken Texas Traffic Laws

Traffic laws are in place for a reason – they ensure that everyone operates their vehicle safely. Unfortunately, there are times when careless or negligent drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, violate traffic laws, and cause accidents and serious personal injury cases. Very rarely do vehicle accidents occur without a violation of a traffic law happening first. Here, we want to discuss some of the most commonly broken traffic state laws in Texas.

Running a Red Light

Running a red light is a serious violation in Texas. However, this is one of the most common tickets involving a moving violation. In Texas, running a red light could result in a $200 fine. If a driver is caught on camera running a red light, the fine is around $75.

Using a Phone

According to data available from the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately one out of every five accidents involves distracted drivers. In Texas, it is illegal to use a wireless communication device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle. This includes texting as well as reading or writing emails. However, many drivers still use cell phones while they are behind the wheel.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Drivers are required by Texas law to wear a seat belt when they are operating their vehicles. Drivers can face fines of up to $200 if they are pulled over and not wearing a seat belt.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous, and Texas prohibits people from driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or higher. For commercial vehicles, drivers must not operate above .04% blood alcohol concentration.

Driving Without a License

It is vital the drivers operate only if they have a valid driver’s license. Drivers who operate without a license could face significant fees and even jail time.

Driving Without Insurance

Every driver in Texas must have valid insurance, and operating without auto insurance could result in a fine of up to $350. Additionally, drivers in Texas could face full financial responsibility in the event they cause an accident when they do not have insurance.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations, and this type of non defensive driving behavior can lead to serious accidents. It is vital that every driver understand the importance of posted speed limits for the roadway they are on.

Headlight Violations

In Texas, drivers must use their headlights at night and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet in front of the vehicle. A common rule of thumb is that drivers should also turn their headlights on 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset.

U-Turns

The laws regarding U-turns in Texas are fairly minimal. Texas traffic laws indicate that a person can only make a U-turn if they can clearly see at least 500 feet both in front of and behind them. However, drivers also need to be aware that there may be places where U-turns are prohibited, and this will be indicated by signage. According to the Texas DOT, there were more than 256,000 total traffic collision injuries and more than 3,610 traffic collision fatalities during the latest reporting year across the state. It is vital that all drivers obey Texas traffic laws. Failing to do so almost always results in an accident occurring.

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement of Angelina County is a program dedicated to financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship in young adults. Members of our staff enjoy giving their time by being in the classrooms and teaching life skills to the students.    We also support fundraising activities such as the Wall Street Stock Market Challenge where we were able to have a team and compete against other members of our community.