Motorcyclists and older drivers

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

There is a case on the noon news here today in Fl. about a memorial for a motorcyclists that was killed in an accident with a driver who was in his early 70's. the cyclists said the driver moved over into the right lane just as the motorcycle was moving right up beside him. So to me that sounds like the cyclist was was attempting to pass on the right - which is against the law. the driver did not see him or misjudged his location - easy to do with the mirror on the right which states right on it that it distorts the distance - and the cyclist was killed. Now these cyclists are trying to make it impossible for older drivers to get licenses renewed automatically if they are > 70. No one seems to be paying any attention to the facts here - passing on the right is AGAINST THE LAW for a reason .It is a very dangerous practice . I am not 100% dismissing the driver's responsibility here ,. that will no doubt be fought out in court . But , as well, just because someone was killed in the accident does not make him automatically the innocent victim. Someone needs to be looking at the facts of this case - not the emotion.

pinkskates4 · ‎03-10-2010

Was the motorcyclist passing or simply going the speed limit in the right lane?

I don't know of any requirement to never come along side a driver in another lane - left or right.

And the person changing lanes always has the responsibility to make sure it safe to do so. If he truly can't tell, then I'd agree he shouldn't be driving.

Qwackertoo · ‎03-11-2010

From Florida Driver's Handbook:

Passing on the right is only legal when there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or the vehicle you are passing is making a left turn. Pulling off the roadway to pass on the right is against the law.

Melania · ‎06-12-2013

Was the motorist hanging in the passing lane like I see so many do because they can and are too lazy to go from lane to lane?

That happened to us yesterday and all of the other cars HAD to pass on the right as the left lane hog was impeding traffic.

Motorcyclists are harder to see that is why you have to aware of every one around you at all times.

toodles11 · ‎12-07-2010

Do you know how many people SIT in the left lane even though it states slower traffic in the right lane?

I have seen some brightly colored motorcycles and they are much easier to notice. I would like all motorcycles to be brightly colored, but I know that's not going to happen.

I have know so many people that have been in motorcycle accidents. Some were ok, some permanently injured and some died. Many times I saw the motorcycle only because I happened to look twice. They are usually dark and move quickly.

azterry! · ‎10-21-2011

there are a lot of things we don't know about the facts of this accident.

As mentioned above, was this a 4 lane road? If so, it is perfectly legal to use the right lane to pass a slower moving vehicle in the left lane. Did the car driver signal his intent to make a lane change?

One should never rely on a mirror alone when checking to make a lane change. You should also look over your shoulder.

Was the car driver impaired in any way? Sight? Hearing? Mental cognition?

How are the m/c riders trying to make it impossible for a 70+ person to auto renew? What is the current age in FL where auto renew is not permissible?

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

They said the motorcycle was moving up beside the car in the right lane - that is why it sounded to me like he was passing in the right lane.

azterry! · ‎10-21-2011

On 1/20/2014 happy housewife said: They said the motorcycle was moving up beside the car in the right lane - that is why it sounded to me like he was passing in the right lane.

The motorcycle did not disobey any law in this case.

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

An older lady at my church said that she prefers to drive in the left lane because she can see the line marking the outer edge of the left lane more clearly from the driver's seat.

Melania · ‎06-12-2013

On 1/20/2014 deepwaterdotter said:
An older lady at my church said that she prefers to drive in the left lane because she can see the line marking the outer edge of the left lane more clearly from the driver's seat.

Wow, that is bad. If she is that visually impaired she shouldn't be driving.