Today a guy on a motorcycle drove up beside me as I was at a red light waiting to turn left and when the light turned green he turned left right in front of me totally cutting me off and almost causing me to hit him because I didn't know he was turning.
Are they allowed while operating a motorcycle to cut in and out of traffic in between cars and cutting in front of everybody else?
It seems to me that they should have to abide by the same laws of the road as the rest of us and not terrorize motorists just because they're on a motorcycle.
Are they allowed by law to drive like that?
And if so why?
Also if I had accidentally hit him whose fault would it have been?
2007-09-04 16:34:04 · 33 answers · asked by Adelaide B 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I don't think this will change anything about how motor cyclists drive.
They absolutely terrorize other motorists while endangering their own lives.
People like that never change and if they cause an accident because of their own stupidity they won't acknowledge it being their fault.
That would be the smart thing to do.
2007-09-04 17:03:17 · update #1
Totally NOT legal! Motorcyclists are supposed to abide by the same traffic laws that motorists must adhere to. Riding between lanes, or "white lining" is illegal (and dangerous).
Unfortunately, if you had hit him you probably would've been held responsible. Either way you'd most likely have gotten sued.
So many idiots on the road these days.
2007-09-04 16:41:40 · answer #1 · answered by GazzaGirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I can't see how motorcycles can have different rules then the rest of us do if we are driving on the same roads. So I'm assuming your were in the left turn lane and the cycle squeezed in on your left and essentially cut you off, like you said. I can't see where that is any where near legal. I don't know what would have happened if you hit him unless there were witnesses--your probably would have ended up the bad guy. Check with the State Police. Then they wonder why there are so many motor cycle accidents. Hopefully, your post will strike a nerve with the cyclists so they think twice before they make up their own driving rules.
2007-09-04 16:46:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you a lot sister adelaide. Yes, they have to obey by the same rules as we do, and they cant legally cut us off in traffic. Sad part is that few of them will change, be it crazy drivers in cars or motorcycles. Usually, it takes a really bad accident to get their attention, but even then many still drive the same way. Take down license numbers and call the police. These ppl must see they cannot drive like that, rising out lives. We live in a big city too and we see things like this all the time, and after they almost run you off the road or into another call, they will give you dirty signs and cuss at you, like you did it. Seems some drive unaware that anyone else is on the road but them. WE must pray for them, and also report them when they are driving like this. Some may respond after a few warnings..... Also if you call the police and they have someone nearby, they could have someone follow that vehicle, and try to catch them driving like that.
all we can do is drive right ourselves, drive offensively and defensively< SMART DRIVING, and pray and do what we can.
Dont hate them ever tho, pray for them. But, yet they are to abide by the same laws as we all do.
I know not all motorcylists drive like that, but so many do, and its so dangerous. Lives are lost and ppl maimed daily all over the country, and the world.
But you cant get somene that wont hear you to hear, we can only drive right ourselfes and keep praying. That God will touch their heart, before they are in a serious accident.....
2007-09-05 02:53:13 · answer #3 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles are bound by the same laws on the road. A motorcycle has to follow each and every rule, just like you do. Fault for any accident would be determined just as if he was driving a car.
2007-09-04 16:39:47 · answer #4 · answered by stever002 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lane sharing laws likely vary from state to state. Some may exclude it altogether. What you described is a rude little boy that does the same crap to other bikers. If you hit him I am sure the witnesses would back you up.
I once had 3 guys pass me on the shoulder of a freeway doing at least 100mph. All 3 lanes to my left were empty. That can give you the willies when on a bike yourself.
2007-09-04 16:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Motorcycles have to abide by the same laws as everyone else. This type of maneuvering is dangerous and illegal.
Would you have been held responsible in an accident. Not if you could prove that he swooped around you. Witnesses would be good. Without witnesses it would depend on how good of a liar he was.
2007-09-04 16:42:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A bicyclist and a motorcyclist must obey the same traffic laws as an automobile driver. It might be common, but it is illegal to cut in front of you, drive on the white striped line between lanes of traffic, or zip past you on the shoulder.
2007-09-04 16:40:24 · answer #7 · answered by Frank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His fault as he violated the rules of the road. The trick would be proving he was driving erratically But, no motorcycles are not allowed to bip-bop in an out of traffic. They'd be fined if caught, just as you would if you were a danger on the road.
2007-09-04 16:42:15 · answer #8 · answered by alisongiggles 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No he is not allowed to cut you off. The laws of the road are the same for everyone (even if you are riding a bike, the rules of the road apply).
If you had hit him (and thank God, you didn't) he would have been in the wrong
2007-09-04 16:39:30 · answer #9 · answered by joseygirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state. In California motorcycles are allowed to split traffic. Call your local police department and ask.
2007-09-04 16:37:29 · answer #10 · answered by Sordenhiemer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋