Motorcycles provide a thrill that only riders can truly appreciate. However, the Alabama Department of Transportation reports that motorcycle riders are responsible for nearly 67% of all accidents involving motor vehicles and cycles. So, motorcycle riders must follow all Alabama motorcycle safety laws to avoid putting themselves in dangerous situations.
This article examines Alabama laws designed to protect motorcycle riders. Laws on helmet use and lane splitting are just two of the topics we’ll cover. We’ll also discuss how a Birmingham personal injury attorney can help you after a motorcycle accident.
What Is Lane Splitting?
To understand lane splitting, imagine a four-lane highway with two lanes traveling in each direction. The two lanes are separated by single-line lane dividers.
In lane sharing, two motorcycles ride side by side in the same lane. So, on our example highway, both bikes are in the same lane and neither crosses the divider.
In lane splitting, a motorcyclist drives between established lanes of moving traffic. So, on our example highway, the lane-splitting motorcycle would be riding along the lane divider with a car on each side. By moving to the divider, the motorcyclist essentially creates a third (unauthorized) lane.
Lane filtering is similar to lane splitting. A lane-filtering motorcycle waits for traffic to stop then weaves between the stopped cars. Lane filtering commonly happens at stop signs and red lights.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama?
No. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are banned in Alabama. Police ticket motorcyclists who engage in these practices. Traffic judges can give violators substantial fines or add points to their licenses.
Lane splitting might not seem like a big deal, but it is quite dangerous. Lanes provide every vehicle with a buffer against vehicles in the next lane. When motorcycles drive between lines, this buffer zone disappears. The absence of this barrier greatly increases the risk of an accident, particularly side-swipe collisions. Additionally, lane splitting
- Reduces reaction times for both drivers and motorcyclists,
- Puts the motorcycle into the driver’s “blind spot,”
- Exposes motorcyclists to road hazards that may not be present in the actual driving lane (e.g., potholes, uneven pavement), and
- Startles drivers.
Do I Have to Wear a Helmet While Riding a Motorcycle in Alabama?
Yes. Section 32-5A-245 of the Alabama Code makes riding a motorcycle without a helmet a crime. The punishment is a $100 fine and up to 180 days in jail. Section 32-5A-245 also says that the helmet must meet the safety standards outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218. This standard, which is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, requires that helmets have safeguards such as chin straps.
Beyond criminal penalties, motorcycle riders should wear helmets for their own protection. Research shows that helmet use reduces a motorcyclist’s risk of head injuries during an accident by up to 69% and the risk of death by up to 42%. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcycle helmets saved more than 25,000 lives from 2002 to 2017. Helmets save lives, so wear yours.
Other Alabama Laws on Motorcycle Safety
In addition to laws on helmets and lane splitting, Alabama has many other rules to protect motorcyclists. Under Alabama law, motorcyclists must
- Wear shoes at all times
- Be licensed to operate a motorcycle
- Provide separate seats, handholds, and footrests for passengers
- Use their headlights during the day to increase visibility
Alabama also forbids the use of motorcycles with handlebars that extend more than 15 inches above the seat.
Can a Failure to Follow Alabama’s Motorcycle Safety Laws Hurt My Personal Injury Case?
Yes. In a motorcycle accident case, you and your Birmingham personal injury attorney will need to prove that the other driver was negligent. In other words, you’ll have to show that they had a duty to drive in a particular way, they did not, and their failure caused your injuries. If you succeed, you’ll be entitled to damages to compensate you for the costs associated with your accident injuries such as medical bills and lost wages.
However, Alabama follows a rule called contributory negligence. Under this rule, if the other driver can prove that you were even one percent responsible for your injuries, you get nothing. Failure to follow Alabama motorcycle safety laws means that you might have played a role in causing the accident or made your injuries worse. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident and believe that your conduct might have played a role, talk to an Alabama accident lawyer ASAP.
Get Help Understanding Alabama’s Motorcycle Safety Laws
If you were in a motorcycle accident, you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. If you’re looking for legal representation after a motorcycle crash or any other motor vehicle collision, contact Collins Law, LLC. At Collins Law, we go the extra mile and beyond for every client. We’ll guide you through every step of your case with compassion. To learn more about how we can help you, call 205-588-1411 or use our website’s online scheduling tool to schedule a free consultation.
