[mpeastend]

Here in NYC and surroundings, traffic has gotten noticeably worse. I find myself scrutinizing cars that want to change lanes or merge in F/O me because once there, they drive way below the speed limit or in stop and go traffic, leave huge gaps that drivers from the next lane start jumping into. I sit there seething until I can move around this, now barely mobile, roadblock. Usually Uber or Lyft (special hatred for them), minivans, elderly, cars with stickers like new driver, etc. I find myself not letting them in like the OP. The times I've relented/been nice, I usually get screwed 50% of the time.

As rcooled posted, merging well below highway speed is not only disruptive to smooth flow, but dangerous. I remember when entrance ramps were referred to as acceleration ramps. Most US drivers could not cut it on the Autobahn...they'd wind up as a dark stain somewhere.

Seriously considering getting one of those air powered train horns. Would love to hit some late mergers with a 120 dB blast. I drive a large dually 3500HD and get cut off by cars way more than if I was in a small vehicle. That is surprising, figured they'd see a big truck and give me a wider berth. Nope.