A collision occurred on Interstate-280 in Menlo Park, California, involving a California Highway Patrol car and a motorcycle on May 21. The impact resulted in the motorcyclist being thrown into the center divider.
The incident took place shortly after 8 a.m. on the southbound lanes of I-280. CHP Sgt. Andrew Barclay told KRON4 that the officer was navigating in a zigzag manner to halt traffic in preparation for a crash site ahead.
Video of the crash shows the motorcyclist driving in-between lanes before entering the path of the winding CHP cruiser.
Sgt. Barclay explained, “The officer was conducting a traffic halt due to an overturned vehicle further along the road, with all emergency signals and siren on. While other vehicles stopped for the officer, the motorcyclist unfortunately 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.”
