Sharing and "unsignaled lane change"

[JeffeVerde]

I'm curious to hear a LEO's take on this aspect of lane sharing-

Cars are moving at 0-15mph, I'm safely sharing at 5-10mph over car traffic, when the cell-phone talker in her SUV drifts to my side of "our" lane, forcing me to move into the next lane to avoid a collision.

Does my evasive action qualify as an unsignaled lane change?


If so, how would you view the same scenario if I was in a car (in my own lane) and the SUV drifted into my lane, again forcing me to cross the line into the next lane over to avoid a collision?

There's an LAPD training facility on my route, and I'll often pass half a dozen police cruisers on the way. Most of them are cool and actually move over as I pass. But every time I pass one, I'm paranoid that I'm going to have to weave to dodge that next SUV mirror, and I'll see their lights come on (not that they could do much to pursue - the "shoulder" through downtown is all of 4" wide :) )

[WinterSF]

I think this thread might be of use: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=154980

[JeffeVerde]

Yep - been there, read that. But I didn't see anything covering the question of being forced out of your lane.

[shraz]

when you laneshare on a bike as long as you don't keep switchin lane to lane they don't seem to care.

[motorman4life]

The best way to resolve these issues is to reverse the roles. What if you were riding next to a vehicle, sharing the lane, and you drifted within the lane and struck the other vehicle? You would be just as "at fault" as the vehicle would be iin your situation when they unexpectedly drift or move within the shared lane without regard to you being there. The CVC dictates that they must ensure it is safe before the move left or right within the lane initiate any turning maneuver.

As for evasive action. It is just that. An evasive maneuver. If you cannot signal because you did not have adequate notice of their intent to move toward you, then you have to do what you have to do. You should not get dinged for not signalling if you are taking a reasonable evasive action to avoid a collision. On the same token, if you move over and subsequently get into a collision, it may end up being your fault or a combination of the initiating driver's fault combined with an associated factor of your poor choice or execution. In some cases, it may be a "damned if you do and damned if you don't" situation. You would need to weigh your options and capabilities before initiating an evasive maneuver and consider that if all does not go well, you may end up holding the bag. In cases such as this, the car that "forced" you out of your lane (if there is no contact due to your lightning reflexes), would be referred to as a "non-contact vehicle." They can be found at fault in cases where they cause a collision, but you are going to need a witness or some other evidence of their existance. Your best bet is to honk when they cut you off or push you out of your lane. This will draw some attention and hopefully alert all of the drivers of the impending emergency.

[saizai]

Originally posted by JeffeVerde
But every time I pass one, I'm paranoid that I'm going to have to weave to dodge that next SUV mirror, and I'll see their lights come on (not that they could do much to pursue - the "shoulder" through downtown is all of 4" wide :) )

Just say you thought they were trying to pull over the SUV for cutting you off. ;)

[Junkie]

how about something else where you commit what is normally a traffic violation to avoid an accident? for example, if you are stopped at a light and a semi is coming up behind you too fast to stop, would you be allowed to pull out into the intersection in order to avoid being smashed, presuming there are no cars approaching on the cross street? (into the intersection and then either across or a sharp turn to not block the cars moving in the other direction, and let's say that the semi indeed doesn't stop and runs the light as well)

[zpyro]

I can't imagine being cited for that. It would reflect very poorly on the officer if they did

[07chuck]

If you are not ticketed it was either OK or not witnessed by an officer. If you were ticketed than it is not OK and you have been witnessed by an officer.

I've found that if you don't ride like a dumbass you don't get pulled over.


For some reason I still do.....