Driving is a major responsibility and privilege. One of the major components of driving is being able to merge lanes. Knowing how to merge lanes correctly keeps you and other drivers safe. Let\u2019s make sure you know how to merge lanes correctly while you\u2019re traveling on the road!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Traffic merging occurs when two streams of traffic combine into a single traffic lane. Previously, different states adopted their own merging rules. Currently, the federal government recommends \u201czipper merging\u201d, also referred to as \u201cjoint lane merging\u201d to reduce traffic backups when traffic merging is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modern zipper merging can feel like an incorrect way to maintain the flow of traffic and a violation of the driving etiquette you\u2019ve learned, so we\u2019ll help you better understand how to correctly merge lanes when you\u2019re driving to help you become more comfortable with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be advised that some states differ on the official method of correctly merging traffic. Check with your local DMV or motor vehicle authority to determine which traffic rules apply in your state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes! Let\u2019s discuss different ways you can correctly and safely merge into traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Early merge is a more traditional type of lane merging that is older than other lane merging types. If you\u2019re using the early merge technique, one lane is designated as the open lane. This lane has the right of way. Drivers who are in the other lane will start trying to get into the open lane, which relies on other drivers, who have the right of way, to let them in, allowing them to successfully merge into the lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, early merging, like all lane merging techniques, has its downfalls. Relying on other drivers can cause backups if other drivers can\u2019t successfully merge lanes. Early merging can also leave significant portions of the closed lane unused, which can block more exits and decrease efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zipper merge is another lane-merging technique when drivers are in a joint lane and merging. Sounds complicated! With zipper merging, both traffic lanes have equal priority. Both lanes of cars can proceed along both lanes until the lane closes. At this time, drivers will alternate (picture the teeth of a zipper) to proceed into the open lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The zipper merge technique uses all available lanes to reduce traffic jams and increases safety by reducing the speed difference between traffic lanes when drivers merge into a lane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s the million-dollar question! To successfully merge while driving, you need to make sure you can safely move from one lane to the other, whether you are merging to the traffic lane on the left or right of you. These expert driving tips can help you understand merging into or out of a traffic lane:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most situations, you\u2019ll merge onto the highways using an on-ramp or controlled-access road unless there are lane closures. In this instance, the rules of the road give the right of way to existing traffic, which means drivers who have been traveling on the highway before you merged. Vehicles that arrive on the ramp must wait for an opportunity to safely merge into existing traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you\u2019re preparing to merge on the highway, use the ramp to increase your speed as you enter the highway. Be alert and yield to drivers that are already on the highway. If you\u2019re already driving on the highway, don\u2019t tailgate the vehicle in front of you and allow enough space between you and other cars for onboarding vehicles to enter the highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning to merge into a lane while driving can be difficult and scary, especially when you\u2019re a new driver. Here are a few dos and don\u2019ts of lane merging to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Signaling a Lane Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019re driving, you may notice a few drivers neglecting to use their turn signal. Failure to signal to let other drivers know your intention of changing lanes is one of the most common mistakes and it could lead to a car accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you use your turn signals, you\u2019re alerting other drivers and giving them time to make room so you can merge. Be advised that using your turn signal does NOT grant you the right-of-way, so you\u2019ll have to wait until another driver makes room to allow you to merge lanes safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should always use your turn signals, even if there are only a few cars on the road, or you seem to be the only car on the road. It\u2019s always the cars you can\u2019t see that pose the greatest danger!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How Long Should You Use Your Signal?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Great question! You must always leave your signal on long enough to give other drivers time to recognize your turn signal and allow them to make room for you to merge into their lane. The length of time to leave your turn signal on varies by each situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you turn your signal off once you have merged into a different lane. Keep in mind that signaling early is preferred in most driving situations, however, it can be dangerous if you have multiple opportunities to turn. For example, if you use your turn signal BEFORE an intersection to let drivers know you\u2019re going to turn after the intersection, other drivers may falsely assume that you\u2019re going to make a turn at the intersection and pull out in front of you, which can cause an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always Check Your Mirrors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking your mirrors is a part of driving that keeps you, your passengers, and other drivers safe. Your side and rearview mirrors are just as important as any other part of your vehicle. Before you signal to change lanes, check all three mirrors (both side mirrors and rearview mirror) to ensure the other lane has ample space for you to merge safely. If there are other vehicles in the other lane, you should wait for another driver to make room. Remember that you must maintain your speed if people are behind you to prevent disturbing the flow of traffic and possibly causing an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check Your Blind Spot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every driver has at least one blind spot. A blind spot is an area that can only be seen by looking over your shoulder, hence the term \u201cshoulder check\u201d you learned about in Driver\u2019s Education (Driver\u2019s Ed). Many avoidable crashes occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traveling in another driver\u2019s blind spot before changing lanes is dangerous because they won\u2019t be able to see you when they perform their shoulder check. Once you\u2019ve done the necessary checks and ensured the lane you want to merge into is clear, slowly steer into the lane. You should never make a rushed or stressed lane change, meaning you don\u2019t have to hurry once you\u2019ve started switching lanes. However, don\u2019t prolong the lane-changing process more than necessary to ensure your safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n