California Highway Patrol Officer Josh Greengard from the Newhall area office sat down with KHTS Radio Owner Carl Goldman to discuss driver safety in 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/khtsradio/videos/223203781943135/

Recent data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows there are more than 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state and more than 1.4 million licensed riders.

“We’re the ones driving cars and can do some things to prevent a lot of the accidents,” said Goldman.

Greengard says it’s important to share the road with other vehicles, including motorcyclists.

“You really have to respect one another on the road. We’re all trying to get to our destination,” he said.

Nine times out of 10, the motorcycle rider will give drivers a ‘hands-up’ because they appreciate it, according to Dave Reeves, owner of Reeves Complete Auto Center.

Greengard went on to explain that while courtesy should be a priority, lane splitting among motorcyclists is legal in California and both riders and drivers should be cautious.

Lane splitting, as defined by CHP, means motorcycles can drive between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads or highways.

“Intentionally blocking a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal,” said Greengard. “Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is also illegal.”

And while newer vehicles now have the added feature of sensors and self-correcting abilities, they don’t solve the “blind spot” problem completely.

“You can help keep yourself and all road users safe by checking mirrors and blind spots frequently, especially before changing lanes or making a turn,” said Greengard.

The CHP officer also offered tips for motorcyclists in an effort to protect their safety.

–      Consider the total environment when lane splitting

–      Slow down; danger increases as overall speed increases

–      Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles such as buses, big rigs and motorhomes

–      Riding on the right shoulder is illegal; it is not considered lane splitting

–      Be visible. Wear bright, reflective and protective gear. Use high beams during daylight hours.

“It’s important to learn your abilities, strengths and weaknesses when riding a motorcycle,” said Greengard. “The California Highway Patrol has a motorcyclist safety program in the form of a training course to help riders gain experience.”

For more tips from California Highway Patrol Officer Greengard, watch the full interview here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.