Will Texas motorcyclists be allowed to "lane split"?

DALLAS - One of the latest proposals by some Texas lawmakers to help alleviate traffic congestion is to let motorcyclists travel in-between cars...aka lane splitting, according to CBS DFW.

According to the station, State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) and state Rep. Sergio Muñoz Jr. (D-Palmview) both filed bills to allow it.

"A lot of people I ride with do it all the time," motorcyclist Chris Rivera of Dallas told the station. "I support it because I do it, so it won't be illegal anymore."

Still, Rivera is quick to point out the dangers of lane splitting.

"You are going to have that one wise-guy (car driver) that is going to cut you off, open a door, or scare you while he's sitting in traffic and you're passing by," he explained. "And it only takes one time."

According to Senate Bill 442, lane splitting would be restricted to controlled access highways. A rider could go no faster than 5 mph greater than traffic flow and traffic would have to be moving 20 mph or slower.

Yet, Dallas driving instructor Yulanda Siglar said she still believes the dangers outweigh any potential benefits.

"That would be scary for me," she said. "I don't think that's a good idea."

California is currently the only state that does not prohibit lane splitting.

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