Lane-splitting came up in a forum I frequent recently, and someone quoted NAMS on the subject. 

NAMS states (p51, and also in this NHTSA document):

There is evidence (Hurt, 1981) that traveling between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars (i.e., lane splitting) on multiple-lane roads (such as interstate highways) slightly reduces crash frequency compared with staying within the lane and moving with other traffic.

I don't find this in Hurt (I have a copy of the full report), and I don't think they even collected data that would make this kind of conclusion possible.

Can anyone provide a page number or quote from Hurt on lane-splitting?

BTW, I believe the conclusion probably is true, and as a long-time lane-splitter in California I feel safer when splitting (and taking the appropriate precautions) than risking a rear-ender in stop-and-go traffic. But as a stickler for precision, I would like to see the proof.

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A superior rider uses superior judgment to avoid problems that would demand his superior skill.

First, it's good to see this place getting posts again.

I can't provide the evidence of which you speak, and I've never lived in a state where lane-splitting is legal. That's not to say that I haven't done it, however.

I'd actually be a little surprised if that conclusion was true in states where it's not legal, as it seems to attract the ire of cage drivers, some of whom will make subtle - or not-so-subtle - maneuvers to make it more difficult or impossible to get by them, creating a dangerous situation for the motorcyclist.

I think they referenced a Thialand research project, but I am not sure.

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