HOUSTON – May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and as we remind drivers to share the road and stay alert, we answer the question on the legalities of motorcyclists “swerving” in between other cars.
Ask 2:
“Are motorcyclists allowed to cut in and out of traffic zig zapping through lanes?”
Answer:
It is okay for a motorcycle to merge into the next lane just like a car or a truck would. However, they can’t pass a vehicle in the same lane while going in the same direction or ride the lines to get by.
“They do not require as much space to do that so it may give the appearance of zinging and zagging or cutting in and out, but they are not the same length as a car,” explained Sgt. Sasha Latham with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sgt. Latham, there has been an increase in fatal crashes related to motorcycles.
“Don’t try to leave your house in a hurry and don’t drive in a hurry. It is the same thing for everybody else. If everybody would just slow down and enjoy the ride, I think we would all fare better in Houston,” said Sgt. Latham.
Remember, May is observed as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Be sure to share the roads!