Shark move or jerk move? (1 Viewer)

[El Floppo]

Both.

this

 

[Godsbrother]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

 

[Fat Nick]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

 

[Arizona Ron]

If I do it, it's a Shark Move. If someone else does it, it's a Jerk Move.

 

[Bogeys]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

 

[El Floppo]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

 

[Billy Bats]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

Lol so keep stopping at the end of the on ramp to merge and in the process slowing down another lane of traffic behind you. People are clueless.

 

[Bogeys]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

 

[Bogeys]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

Lol so keep stopping at the end of the on ramp to merge and in the process slowing down another lane of traffic behind you. People are clueless.

Edit: I think we are talking about different things, you are talking about an on ramp and I was thinking of something like 2 lanes merging to one so I edited snarky comment as I see it could be taken either way.

 

[kentric]

I have no problem saving a table, but if its 18 people long and it will take 10 minutes to get my food, I wouldn't have the kids take one.

 

[RUSF18]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

It doesn't work perfectly but what doesn't work at all is leaving a half mile of empty roadway in the left lane and having a half mile's worth of cars backed up behind a half mile's worth of cars in the right line.

 

[Tom Servo]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

I got through a construction zone on I-80 every day that tells you to use BOTH lanes to the merge point.

 

[Bogeys]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

It doesn't work perfectly but what doesn't work at all is leaving a half mile of empty roadway in the left lane and having a half mile's worth of cars backed up behind a half mile's worth of cars in the right line.

Hence the "works great on paper" comment. I get that it would be the best way possible to do it, but it never works out that way in the real world.

So when you have that half miles worth of cars waiting patiently in line for their turn it is a jerk move to zoom up and cut over at the last minute.

 

[El Floppo]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

hint: cars can change speed.

 

[El Floppo]

Is merging seriously an issue? This should have it's own thread... I'm dumbfounded that people think it's safer or more correct to merge into a lane far ahead of where the merge should actually be happening.

 

[Spock]

If I do it, it's a Shark Move. If someone else does it, it's a Jerk Move.

This.

 

[Two Deep]

Shark move......The other 18 humps in line had the same opportunity.....he who hesitates is lost...

 

[Two Deep]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

It doesn't work perfectly but what doesn't work at all is leaving a half mile of empty roadway in the left lane and having a half mile's worth of cars backed up behind a half mile's worth of cars in the right line.

Hence the "works great on paper" comment. I get that it would be the best way possible to do it, but it never works out that way in the real world.

So when you have that half miles worth of cars waiting patiently in line for their turn it is a jerk move to zoom up and cut over at the last minute.

Gotta get wide and block.

 

[Godsbrother]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

hint: cars can change speed.

So many people are absolutely clueless when driving. You are supposed to merge at the merge point, not 2 miles ahead.

 

[El Floppo]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

It doesn't work perfectly but what doesn't work at all is leaving a half mile of empty roadway in the left lane and having a half mile's worth of cars backed up behind a half mile's worth of cars in the right line.

Hence the "works great on paper" comment. I get that it would be the best way possible to do it, but it never works out that way in the real world.

So when you have that half miles worth of cars waiting patiently in line for their turn it is a jerk move to zoom up and cut over at the last minute.

 

[Bogeys]

The people who do this are the same ones that zoom up in merge lanes on the freeway during traffic, passing all the cars already on there who are doing 20 mph. Thus ensuring that everyone behind has to brake as he merges in at the last second.

You are supposed to use both lanes until the merge point.

Exactly. That's why it's the merge point. If everyone just drove up to the merge point, and then at the merge point, people merged like a zipper, it'd all work fine. It's akin to voluntarily standing in a long line at the grocery store when there's an open lane next to you.

That will only work if everyone is going the same speed and has the same spacing...in other words it doesn't work in a real world application but works great on paper.

it always works... unless people try to cheat it by going two at a time, or mess it up by not using the merge lane to begin with.

eta: I go, you go, I go, you go... other than that, there's nothing to mess up. lol at "great on paper".

So the line of cars going 50 in one lane trying to merge and the line of cars in the other lane going 30 works like a zipper? Yeah, okay.

hint: cars can change speed.

Really? Didn't know that #####.

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I really really get that in a perfect world the zipper move works best, but if you have ever actually driven pretty much anywhere you know there are lots of clueless drivers who either aren't paying attention or are white knuckling it the whole time so this perfect world zipper doesn't work.

I realize that the jerks don't agree and I am good with that.

 

[Brony]

Oh c'mon. If there is construction with 2 lanes going to one and most cars are merging at 50 yds to 100 yds before the official merge point, then if you decide to zoom up and sneak in at the last possible merge point, you do cause everyone else to get through there slower Mr. Fancy Pants and you are a major doosh.

 

[Fat Nick]

Is merging seriously an issue? This should have it's own thread... I'm dumbfounded that people think it's safer or more correct to merge into a lane far ahead of where the merge should actually be happening.

We've already got like 20 threads on how to drive. The reason there are so many is that so many people don't know how to drive.

Question for you "merge far ahead" people...where is the correct point to merge? I'm trying to understand the logic of...well...merging at a point far behind the merge point. I mean, the action you are taking is exactly the same. You need to get your car from lane a into lane b. Whether you do it at the merge point or 2 miles back, it's all the same. And before folks go saying people cut in and mess up flow, etc...it's completely possible, and typically my goal, to slide in as close to the merge point as I can without cutting anyone off, and ideally without using my breaks...merge, not cram.

 

[Fat Nick]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

 

[Fat Nick]

Oh c'mon. If there is construction with 2 lanes going to one and most cars are merging at 50 yds to 100 yds before the official merge point, then if you decide to zoom up and sneak in at the last possible merge point, you do cause everyone else to get through there slower Mr. Fancy Pants and you are a major doosh.

Not really...they could've just as easily pulled out, driven down and merged further down too. They chose to stay in the longer line rather than merge. I hate to say it, because it's going to cause a lot of , but it all comes down to driving ability. Some people are confident that they can merge when they need to, and some people aren't.

 

[Bogeys]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

 

[El Floppo]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

I still don't see why doing it at the prescribed merge location is being more of a jerk than doing it a mile earlier.

Honestly- I have never seen merging at the merge as being a problem, except where people try to force their way two at a time instead of one, or people line up too far back (which still makes absolutely no sense to me).

But I'm on in my mid-40s, so I'll defer to those of you geriatrics who have been driving more than 30 years.

 

[Godsbrother]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

 

[Bogeys]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter.

I agree, it makes you a jerk.

 

[Brony]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

I still don't see why doing it at the prescribed merge location is being more of a jerk than doing it a mile earlier.

Honestly- I have never seen merging at the merge as being a problem, except where people try to force their way two at a time instead of one, or people line up too far back (which still makes absolutely no sense to me).

But I'm on in my mid-40s, so I'll defer to those of you geriatrics who have been driving more than 30 years.

Could be a regional thing - East Coasters generally expect that everyone is gonna to drive like an ###hole, so you're just another ###hole when you do that. In the midwest, these ###hole moves are more glaring.

 

[Fat Nick]

Could be a regional thing - East Coasters generally expect that everyone is gonna to drive like an ###hole, so you're just another ###hole when you do that. In the midwest, these ###hole moves are more glaring.

I'd agree with this...I live in NJ now, and it's sort of an "if you don't, I will" mentality. We also have much closer tolerances for what is a "normal merge," than some places. When I go down to visit my parents in Virginia, I often catch some heat from the locals because what is a normal merge in NJ is cutting someone off in VA.

I recall driving down in the Carolinas one time, and there was a construction merge. The sign said the merge was like 3 miles ahead. Pretty much every single person had merged by mile 2. I couldn't believe how open the ending lane was. I drove most of the way down, but I merged in a little early knowing that the odds of me drawing the wrath of someone was much higher since I was pretty much the only guy doing it.

There's DEFINITELY a large cultural/geographic element to it.

 

[The General]

The whole merging lanes is a fine line. People all merging at the first merge sign with a quarter mile of empty lane are silly, the guy who completely stops to merge with open lane in front of them is a ####### of the highest order, the guy who zips all the way to the front when it's obvious that he is just trying to get to front and not keep traffic moving is an ahole.

As to the example the OP presented where people are obviously waiting for tables while a guy has his kids hold a table for them for 10 minutes is just being an ###. Don't really see any other way around it. I would think most people would tell their kids to move when they realized what's going on.

 

[El Floppo]

Could be a regional thing - East Coasters generally expect that everyone is gonna to drive like an ###hole, so you're just another ###hole when you do that. In the midwest, these ###hole moves are more glaring.

I'd agree with this...I live in NJ now, and it's sort of an "if you don't, I will" mentality. We also have much closer tolerances for what is a "normal merge," than some places. When I go down to visit my parents in Virginia, I often catch some heat from the locals because what is a normal merge in NJ is cutting someone off in VA.

I recall driving down in the Carolinas one time, and there was a construction merge. The sign said the merge was like 3 miles ahead. Pretty much every single person had merged by mile 2. I couldn't believe how open the ending lane was. I drove most of the way down, but I merged in a little early knowing that the odds of me drawing the wrath of someone was much higher since I was pretty much the only guy doing it.

There's DEFINITELY a large cultural/geographic element to it.

I grew up in CA and moved to NY. I've driven everywhere in the country (2 x-country driving trips and lots of regional driving trips)... the only place where I've seen things get weird was in Oregon somewhere, where it was similar to what Nick described for Carolinas above. I kept driving in the right since the left lane had slowed considerably and there was 2 more miles before the merge... had somebody pull out in front of me and block both lanes, forcing me to brake and then merge. But yeah, I'm clearly rude for driving in an empty lane.

 

[Godsbrother]

Could be a regional thing - East Coasters generally expect that everyone is gonna to drive like an ###hole, so you're just another ###hole when you do that. In the midwest, these ###hole moves are more glaring.

I'd agree with this...I live in NJ now, and it's sort of an "if you don't, I will" mentality. We also have much closer tolerances for what is a "normal merge," than some places. When I go down to visit my parents in Virginia, I often catch some heat from the locals because what is a normal merge in NJ is cutting someone off in VA.

I recall driving down in the Carolinas one time, and there was a construction merge. The sign said the merge was like 3 miles ahead. Pretty much every single person had merged by mile 2. I couldn't believe how open the ending lane was. I drove most of the way down, but I merged in a little early knowing that the odds of me drawing the wrath of someone was much higher since I was pretty much the only guy doing it.

There's DEFINITELY a large cultural/geographic element to it.

I grew up in CA and moved to NY. I've driven everywhere in the country (2 x-country driving trips and lots of regional driving trips)... the only place where I've seen things get weird was in Oregon somewhere, where it was similar to what Nick described for Carolinas above. I kept driving in the right since the left lane had slowed considerably and there was 2 more miles before the merge... had somebody pull out in front of me and block both lanes, forcing me to brake and then merge. But yeah, I'm clearly rude for driving in an empty lane.

I've driven the Ohio turnpike more times than I can count. This a typical move there, especially truck drivers.

 

[Fat Nick]

How about an opinion on this one...crowded down town area with street parking. Guy apparently dispatches his family to look for spaces on foot. Wife finds a space and stands in it, then calls husband to come take the spot she's standing in. When I pull up to park, she says, "Spot's taken," and expects me to drive off.

 

[The General]

How about an opinion on this one...crowded down town area with street parking. Guy apparently dispatches his family to look for spaces on foot. Wife finds a space and stands in it, then calls husband to come take the spot she's standing in. When I pull up to park, she says, "Spot's taken," and expects me to drive off.

Can't wait to see the fisherman try and say how this is totally reasonable.

 

[Ignoramus]

On my drive home the highway splits -- two right lanes go north and three left lanes go south. Due to construction in the area, the two lanes to head north will typically back up quite a bit more than the ones going south (which is the direction Our Hero happens to take). Invariably some north-bound jerkwad will try to bypass all the backup until the point where he has to literally stop traffic behind him so that he can get over at the very last minute into the lane he needs to be in. And despite what I'm sure he tells his wife, kids and message board buddies at night, he's not simply merging in front of a slow-moving semi -- he's stopping traffic for his own selfish jerkwad reasons.

ETA - Worse than Hitler mixed with Stalin.

 

[Two Deep]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

 

[RUSF18]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

 

[Two Deep]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

 

[Insein]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

 

[Ditka Butkus]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Smart drivers get over early and thread the needle, no slowing involved..Dumb drivers take it to the end and screw everything up.....I know the "zipper". It doesn't work. You run down to the merge point and three cars go by before the fourth may let you in. Human nature is that the "established lane driver" is going to snub you merge point drivers...In reality there is a lot of competition out on the road. I'm not giving up my position...You are going to have to earn it.

 

[Insein]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Smart drivers get over early and thread the needle, no slowing involved..Dumb drivers take it to the end and screw everything up.....I know the "zipper". It doesn't work. You run down to the merge point and three cars go by before the fourth may let you in. Human nature is that the "established lane driver" is going to snub you merge point drivers...In reality there is a lot of competition out on the road. I'm not giving up my position...You are going to have to earn it.

Lol I get that. Thats why I dont ask for permission with a turn signal. If theres an opening, its my spot.

 

[Billy Bats]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Smart drivers get over early and thread the needle, no slowing involved..Dumb drivers take it to the end and screw everything up.....I know the "zipper". It doesn't work. You run down to the merge point and three cars go by before the fourth may let you in. Human nature is that the "established lane driver" is going to snub you merge point drivers...In reality there is a lot of competition out on the road. I'm not giving up my position...You are going to have to earn it.

So you'd rather let in 10 cars in front of you 1 mike ahead of the merge instead of one car at the merge? ####### brilliant.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Nice ...yeah, calling yourself a part of the "confident drivers."

More like obnoxious ######## drivers that serve as another fine example of the "me first" approach that is getting bigger all the time.

What makes you think that your time is more important than everyone else's?

 

[Ditka Butkus]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Smart drivers get over early and thread the needle, no slowing involved..Dumb drivers take it to the end and screw everything up.....I know the "zipper". It doesn't work. You run down to the merge point and three cars go by before the fourth may let you in. Human nature is that the "established lane driver" is going to snub you merge point drivers...In reality there is a lot of competition out on the road. I'm not giving up my position...You are going to have to earn it.

So you'd rather let in 10 cars in front of you 1 mike ahead of the merge instead of one car at the merge? ####### brilliant.

Yep as long as they are up to speed and continue at speed no problem. Its only when I have to stop for the end of the lane mergers that pisses me off.

 

[El Floppo]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Nice ...yeah, calling yourself a part of the "confident drivers."

More like obnoxious ######## drivers that serve as another fine example of the "me first" approach that is getting bigger all the time.

What makes you think that your time is more important than everyone else's?

 

[Godsbrother]

Again if you want to merge two miles ahead of the merge point then go ahead. Just don't get pissed when other people use the open lane to drive. BOTH lanes are open to traffic until the merge point.

Just about every state I have driven in has signs like this:

http://www.jamesrobertwatson.com/images/merge1.jpg

http://www.coloradodot.info/content/library/traffic/colo-supplement/COLO.h4.jpg

http://www.stopandgo.org/gallery/trafficsigns/images/IMG_3026C.jpg

http://i.cbc.ca/1.1554618.1379046574!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/li-sk-zipper-merge-saskatoon-8col.jpg

 

[Insein]

If the cars you cut in front of have to brake for you in order to keep a safe distance...jerk move.

I agree with this 100%...but there is typically plenty of opportunity to merge in safely and without cutting people off at these merges...even only a few dozen yards from the end of the lane. It's one time I appreciate people texting while driving and leaving huge gaps between cars. I can also typically merge in front of a semi-truck as they take longer to accelerate and leave big gaps. Absolutely no interruption to other drivers.

I agree with all this and, but you are probably not the only one pulling into that gap and add in that there will probably be 2 or 3 cars pulling into that same gap it will slow down the people in that lane to some extent. I don't put all the blame on the cutters, that person who thinks they must keep 20 car lengths between them and the car in front is also at fault.

I won't say I have never done it because that would be a lie, but I also know I am being a jerk when I do it which is why it is a rare thing for me to do.

If you want to merge at the first "lane closing ahead" sign then by all means do so, but that does not make everyone else that passes you a cutter. Both lanes are open until the merge point and when you get there you are supposed to take turns merging.

They tell you way in advance because they expect you to start getting over.....not continue to drive until the lane is gone and #### everything up.

No, they tell you in advance so that you can prepare for getting over because there is no more road in X miles.

What do you have to prepare?.....Are you telling your turn signal and steering wheel, hey guys we have to prepare to get over because we are going to run out of lane shortly...Just move the hell over and things will go more smoothly. What is your point of continuing to the end of the lane.

To merge at a merge point. If they wanted you to merge 2 miles away, theyd make the merge point there. Scared drivers merge two miles away and sit for 20 mins. Confident drivers merge at the merge point and get on with their day.

Nice ...yeah, calling yourself a part of the "confident drivers."

More like obnoxious ######## drivers that serve as another fine example of the "me first" approach that is getting bigger all the time.

What makes you think that your time is more important than everyone else's?

Because I assume if your time was more important you would have gone up to the merge point. I figured you like waiting in a really long line for no reason.

 

[Amused to Death]

This is a recent initiative by AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials). Zipper merge during times of congestion, merge whenever you want during normal traffic flow. FWIW, I've been doing traffic control plans for NJ for 20 years and have never seen the construction signs posted by Godsbrother. Apparently they are common in PA.

New CDOT Signs Urge Motorists to Merge Later Approaching Work Zones
The Colorado Department of Transportation this month announced a plan to use new sign messages with the intent of cutting down on traffic delays through construction zones.

Known as "late merge," the signs are part of a traffic control program emphasizing the use of open lanes until a work zone's actual merge point.

"Our engineers have observed congestion increasing through construction projects when vehicles merge into a single lane too soon, creating unnecessary backups prior to the work area," said CDOT Director of Operations Ryan Rice in a statement. "Our goal is to improve both traffic flow and work zone safety by reducing the frustration and confusion that drivers often experience when merging. By following the directions on the signs, drivers should experience reduced delays."

Two CDOT projects have put the late merge signs into service. Drivers entering either work zone are directed in the following order:

• USE BOTH LANES DURING CONGESTION
• USE BOTH LANES TO MERGE POINT
• TAKE TURNS MERGE HERE

A video demonstrating late merge is posted on YouTube on the "CDOT Media" channel.

According to CDOT, the late merge strategy has proven effective in congested work zones by improving traffic flow and reducing delays as drivers alternate merging into the open lane. Drivers are advised to still merge early when driving through work zones during non-congested periods.

"We've seen drivers merge too early, probably in fear that other drivers won't let them into the traffic queue down the road," said Rice. "We appreciate motorists wanting to change lanes early so they can avoid the potential difficulties in merging, but drivers should use both lanes all the way up to the designated merge point when the highway is congested."

Study data have shown that when used properly, the late merge method can shorten queue lengths by as much as 35 percent.

CDOT will be evaluating the effectiveness of the late merge signage to see how well it improves traffic flow. If it reduces congestion and queue times, future projects could implement the signing elsewhere in Colorado.