Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Anastacio Doucas Nolas, Graduate student Sierra Juliano, Graduate student Shawn De La Osa, Graduate student Kimberly R. Williamson, Graduate student
Lead Presenter's Name
Anastacio Doucas Nolas
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Alex Chaparro
Abstract
This course-based research project examines whether lane splitting and lane filtering are inherently dangerous or whether their safety depends on human factors and traffic conditions. Using published crash, behavioral, and policy literature, the project compares how these motorcycle maneuvers affect riders and other road users across different roadway environments. The analysis distinguishes lane splitting, which occurs between moving lanes of traffic, from lane filtering, which typically occurs at low speeds in stopped or slow traffic queues. Findings suggest that safety cannot be explained by the maneuver alone. Instead, outcomes are shaped by speed differential, driver perception failures, rider workload, intersection complexity, predictability, and roadway context. The literature reviewed indicates that low-speed filtering may reduce rear-end vulnerability, but it can also increase exposure to side conflicts and detection failures. High-speed lane splitting appears more hazardous because it reduces reaction time and amplifies the consequences of perception and decision errors. Overall, this project argues that lane splitting and lane filtering should be evaluated through a human factors lens, with emphasis on attention, visibility, predictability, and traffic conditions rather than broad assumptions that the behavior is always safe or always dangerous.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Is Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering Safe or Dangerous?
This course-based research project examines whether lane splitting and lane filtering are inherently dangerous or whether their safety depends on human factors and traffic conditions. Using published crash, behavioral, and policy literature, the project compares how these motorcycle maneuvers affect riders and other road users across different roadway environments. The analysis distinguishes lane splitting, which occurs between moving lanes of traffic, from lane filtering, which typically occurs at low speeds in stopped or slow traffic queues. Findings suggest that safety cannot be explained by the maneuver alone. Instead, outcomes are shaped by speed differential, driver perception failures, rider workload, intersection complexity, predictability, and roadway context. The literature reviewed indicates that low-speed filtering may reduce rear-end vulnerability, but it can also increase exposure to side conflicts and detection failures. High-speed lane splitting appears more hazardous because it reduces reaction time and amplifies the consequences of perception and decision errors. Overall, this project argues that lane splitting and lane filtering should be evaluated through a human factors lens, with emphasis on attention, visibility, predictability, and traffic conditions rather than broad assumptions that the behavior is always safe or always dangerous.