There have already been several threads on other MC forums and Blogs about this opinion based editorial. Sure it is labeled
"The Deadly Dozen: 12 Motorcycle Safety Myths and Misconceptions When science meets urban legend and imperfect logic, some of the "facts" motorcyclists think they "know" about motorcycle safety, crashes, and riding turn out to be dangerous myths and misconceptions. By Art Friedman.
The humorous part of this is that he mentions "studies", "facts", "extensive testing", etc. but never reveals these 'facts' or his sources.... That is why it is an editorial.
One I like the best is "You can scrub off much more speed before and there be going slower at impact with effective braking than you will sliding down the road on your butt. And if you are still on the bike, you might get thrown over the car you collide with, avoiding an impact with your body."

Ask some of these spokesman for the actual percentage of mortality of motorcycle accident in a T-Bone accident verses a Lay Down... You might get an answer like; [ul] "Thank you for your interest in our safety studies and analysis. While the center does not have any specific data available to compare the two types of impact you inquired, it is our consensus that upright, direct impact collision (T-Bone) may offer less injuries to the motorcycle rider. This is based upon the rider utilizing a full face type helmet along with wearing protective riding apparel and the impact being with a low profile vehicle, as these are the most prevalent on U.S. city streets. We do not offer any opinions on your request with respect to a "SUV or Pickup truck which is common in my area."
Cordially,"

 

"Lane splitting" can be safer than stop and go traffic for one reason; If traffic isn't moving and is bumper to bumper, then the cars are immobile and it is safe for a rider to move through the stopped traffic (keeping an eye out of the proverbial guy who opens his door to see why traffic is stopped) at a reasonable speed. I used 15 mph over traffic speed as reasonable, allowing time to react to situations or to stop suddenly. In five years of riding the SR 91 from Riverside to Orange daily on my bikes, I only experienced two times when someone changed lanes suddenly in front of me. I just went with the lane changer since he and I both had room to move over.

Some days the stress wasn't worth the time saved which on this commute amounted to about 15 minutes. Later, carpool lanes were added which motorcycles were allowed to use, so I stopped doing the lane splitting for the most part. Never did I zoom through traffic faster than 15 mph over traffic speed.