Riding my motorcycle through Georgia's traffic, I constantly worry about distracted drivers. It's a terrifying feeling to be vulnerable to rear-end collisions at red lights, knowing that one inattentive moment from a driver behind could result in disaster. As a motorcyclist, lane splitting offers a way to alleviate this fear by allowing me to safely bypass congested traffic and position myself at the front, out of harm’s way.

The current laws in Georgia prohibit lane splitting/filtering, forcing motorcyclists to remain in the same lane as larger and sometimes distracted vehicles. This restriction not only increases the risk of accidents but also contributes to unnecessary traffic congestion. According to a study conducted by the University of California Berkeley, motorcyclists who lane split are significantly less likely to be rear-ended in traffic compared to those who do not, lowering the risk of injury or fatality.

California has recognized these benefits and have not made lane splitting illegal, leading to a reduction in traffic pile-ups and accidents involving motorcyclists. And now Colorado and Minnesota have lane filtering laws on the books and it’s time for Georgia to consider similar legislation. By legalizing or removing the O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312 and regulating lane filtering, we can protect motorcyclists, reduce traffic congestion, and make our roads safer for everyone.

Join me in urging Georgia's lawmakers to modernize our traffic laws to include safe lane splitting practices. Your signature can drive change and help protect motorcyclists across our state. Please add your support to this important cause today.