‘Totally different,’ warns expert as lane filtering becomes legal on roads – but drivers face $100 fine for ‘splitting’ | D2E53XR | 2024-05-09 12:08:01
'Totally different,' warns expert as lane filtering becomes legal on roads – but drivers face $100 fine for 'splitting' | D2E53XR | 2024-05-09 12:08:01
MILLIONS of drivers are bracing for a massive traffic regulation change aimed at reducing motorcycle collisions.
Driving experts warn that the road law carries an important distinction between "filtering" and "splitting" that can cost drivers $100 in fines.
Colorado will be one of at least five states that allow motorcycle drivers to filter through traffic, according to Denver's ABC affiliate KMGH-TV.
Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah also allow motorcyclists to filter through stopped traffic.
Filtering is a maneuver commonly used among motorcyclists who navigate between lanes of stopped traffic.
The move allows riders to swiftly progress through congested roads by slipping between stopped vehicles in their lane.
Last month, Colorado's Governor, Jared Polis, signed a law allowing filtering under specific circumstances.
Lane filtering will be legal after August 7.
However, state officials are warning that the new law does not allow for lane "splitting."
Colorado makes the distinction between splitting and filtering based on the speed of nearby traffic.
Motorcyclists will be allowed to overtake traffic if they fit in the same lane as stopped cars.
However, they cannot pass cars while they are still in motion.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Motorcyclists caught overtaking moving traffic in the same lane are subject to $100 fines.
"Lane filtering and lane splitting are totally different," Peter Wolfe, a local motorcycle instructor, told the station.
"They're confused about these two, and it's a big problem, and it could create a real disaster."
INSIDE THE NEW LAW
More than 150 motorcyclists in Colorado were killed in 2022 during vehicle collisions.
Studies found that lane filtering is safer for motorcyclists and car drivers.
</div> </div> Motorcyclists overtaking cars relieves traffic congestion, saves time for riders, and reduces traffic collisions, the State Patrol said.
"What our organization's worked so hard to do together is make sure that Colorado's roadways are as safe as they possibly can," Matthew Packard, the Patrol Chief, told the station.
"I think it's going to be an improvement, providing there's proper education for the drivers," Wolfe added.
"Let's make sure that we're we're showing that we're responsible motorcycle riders and give the public that good image so that we can all share and grow and not be in such a bad shape."
More >> https://ift.tt/7MTNBPH Source: MAG NEWS
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