A Learning Topic (by Request)

Most states' DOT (the ones I was able to find information from) would prefer you to zipper merge in situations where the traffic in the open lane/lanes is not moving or is moving very slowly.

Here is a link to Missouri DOT page which explains why, when and how to zipper merge.

MO DOT

Other state pages I have checked out say pretty much the same thing.

Today I saw a sign on US36W north of Columbus, Ohio, that said Use Both Lanes Until Merge Point. It was permanent just past an intersection where two lanes become one. Then one again saying Take Turns. With this thread in mind I paid attention to what the four wheelers were doing, no other trucks there at the time. They used both lanes approaching the intersection which had a red light. On green, they crossed then all quickly formed one line of cars well before the merge point. Not what the signs advised but looked like it worked just fine in that specific situation.

I understand the reasoning behind both methods. Personally I'll jump in the lane that I need to be in immediately. Sure it may add a couple minutes but it's far less stressful. Don't have to worry about someone giving you room, or even somebody wanting to have a physical altercation over it. If someone else wants to wait until the last minute I'll give them room to squeeze in. They're going to come over anyways, why risk making contact.

We have the Sipper law in Pennsylvania. Use the lane until it ends; there is always someone to let you in. The jokers that move over to try to block you are all in violation of this law while also impeding traffic. Just last fall, on route 80E, a PA trooper that was running the shoulder pulled over the truck that shot out to block me as I was easing my way down the merging lane, which was still 1 mile ahead of me. That trooper appeared to be extremely unhappy with that driver.

When I use the lane that's closing, I travel at a speed slightly above the traffic in the backed-up lanes. This way, I have adequate time to respond.

However, there are times when I just get in line, but not when I'm one mile away from the merge point with zero vehicles in front of me. In Michigan, they will move over 4 miles out and block the merging lane so nobody else can use it. Use it until it's coming to an end. But I don't put my equipment, or anyone else's equipment in jeopardy in the process. I never try to squeeze my way into any situation. I'll put my blinker on and creep it along until I get an opening. BTW - it's almost always a 4-wheeler that let me in.

Either way, whatever we do, it shouldn't compromise ours, or anyone else's safety when doing it. Situational awareness!

That's a solid method of reducing stress. I never worry about delays when I'm in construction zones. But I do use the pavement in front of me. You're right, some drivers are ready to fight over anyone using the lane that's coming to an end. That's why they sit there and block anyone else from using it. Actually, if drivers, 4-wheelers, and trucks alike, could merge properly, we wouldn't have the backups we do when a lane is coming to and end.

I understand the reasoning behind both methods. Personally I'll jump in the lane that I need to be in immediately. Sure it may add a couple minutes but it's far less stressful. Don't have to worry about someone giving you room, or even somebody wanting to have a physical altercation over it. If someone else wants to wait until the last minute I'll give them room to squeeze in. They're going to come over anyways, why risk making contact.

I usually attempt to zipper merge since that's what most states' DOT including my state recommends. It's supposed to be faster for everyone including me so why not. To clarify, if I'm already in the continuing lane then I just stay in that lane. If I'm in the lane that's going to be ending, I just stay in that lane until I get close to the merge point and then throw on my signal and I've never had an issue with someone letting me in. I also think it's important that when attempting to zipper merge, if you're in the faster lane absolutely do not drive fast past slower traffic just because you can. As we all know, people are notorious for pulling out in the empty lane without checking to see who's coming and the last thing you want is to have to slam on the brakes when someone inevitably pulls out right in front of you.

I know alot of people think it's the *sshole thing to do and I used to think the same thing until I learned about zipper merging. You also gain nothing by getting over early and then just sitting there watching everyone and their mother drive right past you while your clock burns. Ultimately, do whatever is less stressful for you. If it's easier for you to get over early then do that. If it's less stressful to zipper merge then do that knowing that you aren't being the royal jerk some people will inevitably think you are.

Dennis said:

I’m cruising at my max 62 mph on interstate. I come up behind a slower moving vehicle, eg towing a Uhaul trailer or a pickup towing a trailer hauling cars, doing 56-57 mph.

Do I try passing or just slow down to a safe distance behind them and “put up with it”?

Depends on if you can safely jump in the passing lane and safely complete the pass. I try not to make people angry and I do my best to not be a nuisance to other people on the road but at some point I had to come to the realization that we all have to share the road with each other. Truckers don't like sharing the road with four wheelers any more than they don't like sharing the road with us but we all have to do it. If you're going 3-5 mph faster than the vehicle you're attempting to pass I'd say you're definitely going fast enough to safely complete the pass but it's really up to you if you want to do it or not. Just make sure you're not jumping right in front of someone in the left lane who's going significantly faster than you since that could cause road rage or an accident. If there's someone way back there who's going faster, oh well--they're just going to have to wait a few seconds for you to complete the pass but that's just part of us all sharing the road with each other.