California Highway Patrol - Southern Division

Community: Splitting, Blinking and Looking

Dear Pepperdine Libboard,

Is lane sharing cheating?

SPLITTING, BLINKING AND LOOKING

Have you ever wondered what it would be like not to be in bumper to bumper traffic? There's no question, traffic-wise, Los Angeles has the worst traffic in the nation. A recent study revealed Angelenos spend approximately 81 hours a year stuck in traffic.*

So why in the world are we asking if lane sharing is cheating? Well, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the California Highway Patrol along with the California Office of Traffic Safety wants to relay a simple message:

Motorcycle safety is just as important to drivers as it is to motorcyclists.

As frustrating as it is to be in traffic - and we know that drivers look for every opportunity to gain precious seconds by finding the quickest route home - we must be aware of the fact that we share the road with thousands of motorcyclists.

That being said, here are some helpful tips for motorcyclists and motorists alike:

Motorcyclists:
• Wear a DOT compliant helmet - it can save your life.
• Watch your speed. A motorcycle collision is highly likely to cause injury or death.
• Assume people in cars don't see you.
• Stay out of blind spots, especially on large trucks.
• Slow-down in heavy traffic.
Motorists:
• Assume motorcyclists are splitting lanes.
• Activate your turn signal before changing lanes.
• Use your car mirrors and look over your shoulder to verify its safe before changing lanes.

Although traffic in Los Angeles isn't ideal, Los Angeles prides itself for its second to none beaches, scenic mountains and hundreds of thousands of miles of roadway for motorcyclists to enjoy.

Don't let traffic bump your joy!

For more information go to www.chp.ca.gov & http://cmsp.msi5.com/
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*http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-worst-traffic-20160314-story.html

Contact Information:
Officer Edgar Figueroa
California Highway Patrol Southern Division PIO Unit
818-240-8200

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