Can we shoot people who...

[ckissick]

refuse to take their turn when merging in traffic where a lane ends? I vote yes.

[9dreizig]

and get pissed when you take your rightful spot..

[sc_rufctr]

Probably not a good idea to start shooting people when they do stupid things.

Were would it end? We'd soon run out of politicians

[herr_oberst]

[Chocaholic]

...or, "where" would it end?
BANG....one down!

[wdfifteen]

Why do people start getting into single file a mile before a road narrows to one lane?

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I once saw CHP nail one of those jerks that goes all the way down a lane until the last possible moment until merging, then try to force his way in front of the 100 cars he just passed. Made me smile. Idiots like that deserve to be cited at the very least. If people just learned to do "one from the left side, one from the right side" like a zipper, it'd be so much more quick and efficient for everyone but the jackasses with ego complexes screw it up for everyone.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Why do people start getting into single file a mile before a road narrows to one lane?

Because they know other drivers won't let them merge nearer the narrowing.

I find SUV drivers to be the worst at this.

[MRM]

Yes. It is allowed a little known federal law that is imposed on the states through the use of federal highway funds.

The federal law requires summary execution of drivers who: 1) slow down when they are trying to merge from an on-ramp into highway traffic moving at highway speeds: 2) block the right hand lane in rush hour traffic by double parking; 3) refusing to properly execute the "zipper merge" when lanes are reduced; and 4) stopping to look at an accident that happened on the other side of the freeway.

The only stipulation in the law is that upon sumarily executing the offending driver, you must ensure the body stays in the vehicle and then you have to push the vehicle entirely off the road so that it is no longer an impedement to traffic. Failing to clear the obstruction completely results in the person responsible being subject to summary execution as well.

I'm pretty sure I can find the citation for this statute. I'll post it when I can. In the mean time, it's OK to go ahead and follow the law, as long as you get the other car completely off the road.

For what it's worth, the Minnesota DOT actually directs that when lanes are reduced, the vehicles in the lane being eliminated should drive all the way to the point where the lane is eliminated before merging into the remaining lane. The theory is that it's faster to do it that way. I think it's rude and causes backups. You should merge carefully in the flow of traffic ahead of the lane reduction so that cars already in the remaining lane don't have to stop to let you in.

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by MRM

For what it's worth, the Minnesota DOT actually directs that when lanes are reduced, the vehicles in the lane being eliminated should drive all the way to the point where the lane is eliminated before merging into the remaining lane. The theory is that it's faster to do it that way. I think it's rude and causes backups. You should merge carefully in the flow of traffic ahead of the lane reduction so that cars already in the remaining lane don't have to stop to let you in.

I disagree. If both lanes are fully utilized, the flow of traffic will be better. Go to the end of the lane then merge properly. Sometimes people will try to merge way too early, blocking their own lane and leaving a long swath of empty lane ahead of them.

[wdfifteen]

There have been a number of studies that show using both lanes to the point of the lane closure is more efficient. Some states post signs encouraging drivers to fill both lanes. Here's something from Edmunds on it:

Car Merging Psychology: Don't Hate the "Sidezoomer" - Edmunds.com

"Using speed-sensing devices that display different messages depending on the speed of traffic, Minnesota DOT engineers developed what they call a "zipper," which meshes cars quickly. Signs advise drivers of the upcoming lane closure, tell them to use both lanes up to a point and then direct them to take turns merging. When traffic is flowing, drivers merge early to avoid unsafe maneuvers. But when traffic is congested, motorists make full use of both lanes. The data revealed that the change reduced traffic lines by 35 percent and also brought down "lane changing conflicts," says Craig Mittelstadt, Minnesota DOT's work zone safety specialist.

But most highways' merging zones don't display friendly signs that tell drivers it's OK to merge late. And so the conflicts continue. And along with the conflicts comes the inevitable finger-pointing (or finger-giving, in many cases)."

[bell]

On my recent trip to Newfoundland I was blown away by the fact that people absolutely know how to merge there......not a single ass shot up to pass all the cars.....
I was dumbfounded lol

[HardDrive]

People that pull up to the traffic light, wait until the light turns green, then put on their left turn signal. Dear lord, send angry squirrels to chew their privates.

[ckissick]

Oh, and what about those people who stop 3 car lengths behind the car in front of them and then inch forward in stops and starts until the light turns green. What's that all about?

[Buckterrier]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Why do people start getting into single file a mile before a road narrows to one lane?

Because ass hole, (only those that do it), truck drivers block lanes. I find that more & more. In Pa. they also have signs saying to use both lanes until merge point. I pass those jerks on the left, right, anywhere just to piss them off.

[redstrosekNic]

Originally Posted by ckissick

Oh, and what about those people who stop 3 car lengths behind the car in front of them and then inch forward in stops and starts until the light turns green. What's that all about?

Ha! That is quite annoying.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

People that pull up to the traffic light, wait until the light turns green, then put on their left turn signal. Dear lord, send angry squirrels to chew their privates.

That's ME! I fricken hate the TOC< TOC< TOC< TOC of the turn signal sound.

On two of my cars I've gone under the dashboard and switched out the flasher with a non sounding flasher.

The guy that I hate? the numbnut that doesn't turn off his flasher for 13 miles.

Both of Corcette and my Silverado are built with a chime that tells you that GM thinks you're brain dead if your signals on to long. I do use my signals and in la traffic there's times when your signal will be on for a long time.

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by bell

On my recent trip to Newfoundland I was blown away by the fact that people absolutely know how to merge there.

Merging is one of the least-developed driving skills...as evidenced by the long back-ups at every freeway interchange during busy times. Most have no clue how it's done. Can't count the number of times I've been behind someone drifting down an on-ramp at 40MPH while attempting to merge into 65MPH freeway traffic.

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by rcooled

Merging is one of the least-developed driving skills...as evidenced by the long back-ups at every freeway interchange during busy times. Most have no clue how it's done. Can't count the number of times I've been behind someone drifting down an on-ramp at 40MPH while attempting to merge into 65MPH freeway traffic.

This something I notice frequently while tooling down the slow lane in the '50. Even I have to brake for them.

[Hawkeye's-911T]

Don't get me started!

Cheers
JB