Lane splitting is when a motorcycle, usually on the freeway in slow traffic, rides between lanes with slower cars in both lanes, in order to move faster than traffic. It is often viewed as unsafe, as well as illegal.

I think we can all agree that it's somewhat unsafe as compared to staying in a lane like a car. How unsafe it is can be determined by many factors, but mostly by your actions. Provided it is legal in your state, or more accurately, not illegal in your state, there are some simple things you can do to make it safer.

One of the main issues is how much faster you go than the traffic around you. A good rule of thumb I use is not to go more than 5 or 10 mph faster than the traffic is going. Going much faster than that greatly decreases your ability to react to other drivers. It also decreases the likelihood that other drivers will see you or be able to react to you.

Another thing is to be patient and try to wait until two cars are positioned in a manner that reduces the chances of one car abruptly changing lanes while you're next to them. If you see a gap on one side, watch the car on the other side. Many times you can see the driver's eyes in the side mirror, and this will often clue you in as to what that driver intends to do in the next two to four seconds as you're getting ready to pass them.

In most states where there is no law AGAINST lane splitting (or lane sharing), chances are you won't get pulled over for it if you do it safely. Just remember it goes on a state by state basis. Here in California, there are no laws against it. But it is up to the CHP or local police to make the determination. They can pull you over for things like failure to signal for a lane change, which is what you're doing if you cross over the line.

You can find out if lane splitting is not legal in your state by visiting the ASA's State By State Motorcycle Law Page