A motorcyclist in Riverside, California, was rammed and dragged by a driver after a brief altercation regarding lane splitting, which is legal in the state. The incident, captured on video, has led to attempted murder charges against the driver, identified as Gary Delandro.
The confrontation began when the motorcyclist, whose name remains undisclosed, reported that Delandro cut him off while he was filtering to the front of a line at a red light. Following a brief exchange of words, the rider returned to his motorcycle, appearing calm despite the earlier disagreement.
At the next intersection, the situation escalated. The video footage shows Delandro aggressively maneuvering his Nissan Altima between lanes, colliding with the motorcyclist. As a result, the rider was dragged along the ground beneath the front of the car across the intersection before Delandro reversed and fled the scene.
Police responded swiftly to the incident and later identified Delandro, who subsequently surrendered to authorities. He now faces charges of attempted murder and is currently held on a bail of $1 million.
Despite wearing protective motorcycle gear, the rider sustained significant injuries, including road rash on his backside and right leg, necessitating staples below his knee. Fortunately, he managed to hold onto the front bumper during the incident, which prevented potentially worse injuries from occurring.
Lane splitting has long been a topic of debate across the United States, with varying regulations from state to state. In California, it is embraced as a common practice. While many drivers in the state are accustomed to motorcyclists filtering through traffic, the incident highlights the dangers that can arise when motorists react aggressively.
The visibility of California’s front license plate on Delandro’s vehicle adds to the scrutiny surrounding the incident, particularly as the state is known for its motorcycle-friendly culture. Observers note that in California, many drivers often adjust their driving behavior to accommodate lane splitting, demonstrating a shared understanding of the practice.
This case serves as a reminder that while lane splitting is legal and accepted in California, aggressive driving and reckless behavior remain unacceptable anywhere. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for mutual respect among all road users.
