Video: Cruiser wipes out lane-splitting motorcyclist on California interstate

MENLO PARK, Cali. (KRON) — A California Highway Patrol cruiser and a motorcycle collided on Interstate-280 on May 21, sending the rider flying into the center divider.

The crash happened shortly after 8 a.m. on the southbound side of I-280 in the Menlo Park area, as the CHP officer was driving in a serpentine pattern to stop traffic ahead of an upcoming crash scene, CHP Sgt. Andrew Barclay told KRON4.

Video of the crash shows the motorcyclist driving in-between lanes before entering the path of the winding CHP cruiser.

“The officer was running a traffic break to stop traffic due to a rollover crash up ahead, and all of their emergency lights and siren were activated,” Barclay said. “All other vehicles had yielded to the officer, however the motorcyclist did not.”

The motorcyclist suffered minor injuries in the crash and was not taken to the hospital by paramedics. The CHP deputy was not injured.

“While the report has not been completed, I can say that California Vehicle Code section 21806(a)(1) states that vehicles must yield the right of way to an authorized emergency vehicle with activated emergency lights and siren,” Barclay said. “Additionally, California Vehicle Code section 21706 requires drivers to remain at least 300 feet behind an emergency vehicle with activated lights and siren. Finally, while lane splitting in California is legal, motorcycle riders must do so safely, and with due regard for surrounding traffic conditions and while obeying all appropriate laws.”