Who has the right of way on a freeway merge?

[403Gemini]

I love being in the merge lane, picking up speed (even a bit faster) to get onto the main road, and I see the guy in the lane i'm trying to merge into start to speed up

I fucking cant stand people like that.

This thread delivers on showing who the bad drivers on beyond are

If I am on the main road next to merging traffic I will go the speed limit and if I see somebody picking up speed I lightly apply my brake (going down to maybe 70 on an 80) to give them that extra bit of room so they are 100% fine to get in. If i am going 80 and I see them hit their brakes or creep along, i accelerate to about 90-95 to make sure they have ample room behind me.

Only time I ever really accelerate though is if they are CLEARLY going about half the speed limit.... and being stuck behind them on a merge is the worst thing in the world because you're at the mercy of these dumbasses and the kindness of the people in the lane you're trying to get into.

[Danny Meehan]

Both parties are responsible for safe merging
Equal blame is placed on both drivers in case of an accident

[m10-power]

Lol how did some of you get your licenses

Oh yes that's right there really isn't a proper test...

[GQBalla]

i like it when people turn the yield from 14th st to memorial into a merge.

then they get mad at you and decide to high beam you all the way down memorial.

OR

the best is when you stay at the speed limit 50 km/h than they yield merge onto memorial from 14th and get in front of you because they were speeding THAN getting a photo radar ticket. Sometimes after they see the flash they decide to slam on their brakes to slow their vehicle beneath 50....like that is going to do you some good!

[Mar]

Originally posted by sr20s14zenki
Funny story from that, i was merging from the crossfield overpass onto qe2 southbound a month ago, starting my daily trek to work. As im coming down the ramp, i notice a hummer in the right lane. Him and myself were the only two people on the road at the time. Turns out he was the biggest prick on the road too. Would he move over to let me merge? not a chance, in fact when i tryed to force my way in anyways, because it was either that, or ditch, he moved over half a lane, and then back in front of me. In order to adjust my speed to merge with this asshole, i would have either had to merge at 60 to get behind him, or 130 to get in front of him. What ever happened to common courtesy on the road? I always move over if possible to let people in....i just dont get it. Its a ME ME ME society these days. I would expect one would move over, before forcing somebody to merge at unreasonable speeds, high or low.

Let me get this straight. There was only one other vehicle on the road and you somehow managed to drive directly along side of him when you knew you had to merge? You can't drive.

Originally posted by Kloubek
I'll almost always try to ensure the merger has ample room to do so. If they have their signal on, I'll do everything I can. But when those assholes push their way in even though there is clearly not enough room... AND don't use a signal? ARRRGGG...

/rant

You shouldn't do anything for 2 reasons.
a) It teaches people how to merge properly.
b) The guy merging has to change his speed/position in order to merge and if he speeds/slows to get into the right spot and you do the same, you're just getting in his (my) way. Maintain speed and don't disrupt the flow of traffic, that way the merger can do what they need to get in.

Originally posted by kenny
That's because it *IS* your responsibility to make room for merging traffic. Of course, it is also the responsibility of the merging traffic to merge in safely by getting up to speed.

Maybe (I'm not sure) but the problem here is the guy will merge left to make room and get in my way in the left lane as well as the 10 people behind me. So that's nice, you just disrupted the flow of traffic for 10 people to let one person in. When it comes to this, let that 1 guy learn how to merge, there are more people on the road that need to continue at a constant speed.

Originally posted by Feruk
I think the rule is the guy merging in should merge in front of the guy already in the lane (who should slow down if required). Not positive. But really, it's whatever makes the most sense.

NO NO NO! Nobody should ever hit the brakes on Deerfoot.....ever. Maintain a constant speed so people behind you don't have to slow down and don't follow too closely to the car in front of you. If there is enough room in front of you to merge and you keep a constant speed, the guy merging has loads of room and opportunity to get into it. It's not your responsibility to help the handicapped. Ever wonder why Deerfoot slows down to a crawl during rush hour? It's because of your advice, you should never brake on the highway. It causes a ripple effect all the way back through traffic causing 50 other people to hit the brakes. Please the masses, that one guy isn't as important as 50 other drivers already on the road.

Originally posted by syritis
FUCK THAT. if traffic is flowing freely I'm not stepping on the brakes to let someone in who NEEDS the 10ft i'm occupying, if you can't marge in front or behind me then maybe you should park your car on the side of the road.
however If i can move over to the other lane i will do that. but there is no reason to slow down free flowing traffic for some twit that cant figure out how to accelerate and think at the same time.

but in rush hour when traffic is already slowed down then yes, make room for merging traffic to alternate in.

This is exactly what I'm saying, in rush hour of course, traffic is fucked already, but in free flowing traffic where there is suitable room between you and the next car, maintain speed, don't hit the brakes.

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
You shouldn't drive in the right lane if you aren't prepared to let merging traffic in. It's 50/50 and I will happily force my way in front of any of you assholes who think I should yield to you.

You shouldn't yield, you should learn how to drive. Don't fly down a merge lane, then get to the end and decide it's time to see if someone is next to you. First check the sign to see if it's a continuous lane or a merge lane, then react accordingly. If it's a merge lane, look back on the highway to make sure you're lining yourself up with a suitable gap and not another vehicle, that way when you get up to speed and are able to merge, there is a space next to you. I've had way too many people start to merge at the end of a merge lane and then finally realize I'm right next to them. At that point you're way too late.

Originally posted by CanmoreOrLess
I recall my uncle saying, "In Calgary, just drive in the middle lane and you do not need to worry about anything". Might be the best thing overall if one can do it.

I try and get in the middle lane when coming up to a major merge area, knowing full well there will be vehicles merging. Add to the scene anyone with out of province plates, as they will be reacting at the last minute. Calgary has the worst signs of anyplace I have been in NA, they are too small, too late and too vague. An out-of-tower has no hope, never mind Miss Daisy.

That's horrible advice, the middle lane is for people passing the right lane, it's not a convenience lane. The reason we have so many people cruising along slowly in the left lane in Calgary is because everyone else is using up the middle lane and they can't get over. If more people used the right lane instead of the middle, it would free up the middle lane for these people, they'd move over and we could use the left lane as a passing lane like it's supposed to be. There are many, many times I've been doing 90 on Deerfoot behind some guy that should move to the right but can't because someone's in the middle lane. And NOBODY in the right lane.

I'm not exactly sure what the law is but if I'm driving along at 110 minding my own business and someone comes next to me trying to merge and I have 100 feet in front/behind me, they've already totally failed at their job. They should be looking more in advance to pick their spot instead of trying to get the one lonely car to move. Especially if there are cars behind me depending on me to keep the flow of traffic and not to hit the brakes causing the entire road to slow down. Rush hour traffic jams would be a thing of the past.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Originally posted by Mar



Wall of mar

Apparently I don't know how to drive according to you.

Do you force old women into the ditch because they take too long to get their Tercels up to speed while merging?

Are school buses a burden for you when taking off ramps at less than suggested speed?

I can't stand self-righteous assholes like you, who seem to feel the need to punish those who cannot keep up to their own standards of driving . You've more than shown what kind of driver you are to me in that huge post.

[BMDUBS]

^ Fuck that! Mar has it right on all his points. Too many idiotic, moronic drivers out there that can not adapt to the traffic and road conditions. I am not going to be inconvenienced for someone elses lack of skill. Call me an asshole if you want but if everyone would pay more attention to what they are doing traffic would flow a lot smoother.

As it was stated, if you're on the highway and you have to brake because some idiot did not utilize the merge lane to adapt to the speed of the thru traffic, a stream of brake lights are going to be the result. One idiot that doesnt understand how to merge or fails to speed up will screw the flow of traffic for many. I say fuck that moron and force him into the shoulder. "Maybe" he will wake up and realize why he/she didnt make it into the flow of traffic.

[Mar]

Wow......I wouldn't force anyone in the ditch and I definitely would not try and get in anyone's way. I just wouldn't hit the brakes and slow down everyone behind me for one other person when I've left them lots of room in front of me. Seems logical.

[johnboy27]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC


Apparently I don't know how to drive according to you.

Do you force old women into the ditch because they take too long to get their Tercels up to speed while merging?

Are school buses a burden for you when taking off ramps at less than suggested speed?

I can't stand self-righteous assholes like you, who seem to feel the need to punish those who cannot keep up to their own standards of driving . You've more than shown what kind of driver you are to me in that huge post.

So he is a self-righteous asshole but you aren't? Look at the quote of your that he posted, seems you are no different.
I have to agree completely with mar. People need to learn how to drive, there is no reason a person already travelling at highway speed should have to slow down to accomodate somebody entering the "flow" of traffic. It's the way people drive in all the other provinces I have driven in (20 years and hundreds of thousands of accident free km's)

[Dumbass17]

haha canadians can't merge at all, we are rude, selfish drivers. i've noticed that since i've been driving in aus now.

[speedog]

Originally posted by Dumbass17
haha canadians can't merge at all, we are rude, selfish drivers. i've noticed that since i've been driving in aus now.

C'mon, give your noggin a shake. There's crappy drivers in every part of the world. There are Canadians that can merge and ones that can't and this includes a mix of multi-generation and new Canadians. Mar's post above speaks volumes, but there's always going to be that fool who can't figure things out or that other other confident fool who'll rush up the merge lane in his BMW or whatever 'look-at-me' kind of ego vehicle who figures the world has got to give way to him at the end of the merge lane. Have seen shitty drivers all over Canada, in the USA, in central America, in Europe and I'd dare say that Australia has their fair share of them as well - this is most definitely not just a Canadian problem.

[ricosuave]

how about deerfoot trail, the 17th ave northbound exit?

the bullshit that goes on there for people trying to merge onto deerfoot and the ones trying to merge off onto memorial...

[speedog]

Originally posted by ricosuave
how about deerfoot trail, the 17th ave northbound exit?

the bullshit that goes on there for people trying to merge onto deerfoot and the ones trying to merge off onto memorial...

Too many people and two entrance/egress points too close together - Deerfoot has been fucked from day one by having an entrance/egress point every mile or so. The 17th Ave/Memorial shit hole is bad in either direction during rush hour and even at most other times, no different than north bound Deerfoot between 32nd Ave and Beddington Trail in the PM rush hour - too many people, too many entrance/egress points. Just poor, poor freeway design

[Maxt]

Originally posted by m10-power
Lol how did some of you get your licenses

Oh yes that's right there really isn't a proper test...

You buy it in Vancouver....

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by Mar
You shouldn't do anything for 2 reasons.
a) It teaches people how to merge properly.
b) The guy merging has to change his speed/position in order to merge and if he speeds/slows to get into the right spot and you do the same, you're just getting in his (my) way. Maintain speed and don't disrupt the flow of traffic, that way the merger can do what they need to get in.

I understand what you're saying, but I'd venture to guess 99% of people who push their way in without signalling *know* they are not merging properly, but just don't care.

Those kinds of people are the kinds to go just a little further and continue to push in even though there is no room - with the expectation that *you* are going to be the one to do the "right" thing, and give them room.

So my doing what you mention above, you risk both an accident (which may or may not be deemed his fault) and road rage from the other driver.

Sometimes, it is just easier to let assholes be assholes and not get involved.

[m10-power]

Originally posted by Kloubek


I understand what you're saying, but I'd venture to guess 99% of people who push their way in without signalling *know* they are not merging properly, but just don't care.

Those kinds of people are the kinds to go just a little further and continue to push in even though there is no room - with the expectation that *you* are going to be the one to do the "right" thing, and give them room.

So my doing what you mention above, you risk both an accident (which may or may not be deemed his fault) and road rage from the other driver.

Sometimes, it is just easier to let assholes be assholes and not get involved.

Lol what part of MERGE do you not understand. Make room so people do not have to be 'assholes' (in your world), in mine your the asshole.

[m10-power]

Originally posted by Maxt

You buy it in Vancouver....

Might as well have

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by m10-power


Lol what part of MERGE do you not understand. Make room so people do not have to be 'assholes' (in your world), in mine your the asshole.

Woah. Jump to conclusions much? If you cared to read what I wrote before, I believe I mentioned that I do exactly that when possible. But sometimes people fly in and cut you off, or drive so slow when merging you need to gun it or brake hard. Either way, I'm simply staying you shoudn't *have* to do that. If I'm going to make an effort, the merging traffic should as well rather than to assume it is everyone else's responsibility to avoid them and that they own the road. At least put your damn signal on.

I apologize if you feel this is too much to ask. Or maybe you're just having a really bad day. It happens.

[Mar]

Originally posted by Kloubek


I understand what you're saying, but I'd venture to guess 99% of people who push their way in without signalling *know* they are not merging properly, but just don't care.

Those kinds of people are the kinds to go just a little further and continue to push in even though there is no room - with the expectation that *you* are going to be the one to do the "right" thing, and give them room.

So my doing what you mention above, you risk both an accident (which may or may not be deemed his fault) and road rage from the other driver.

Sometimes, it is just easier to let assholes be assholes and not get involved.

My post was based on a perfect world. I don't disagree with you.

[m10-power]

Originally posted by Kloubek
I've always drove with the expectation that *I* have the right of way, and those merging in are expected to do so when it is safe. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case; you have those who believe it is *your* responsibility to make room for them.

There are also those who may or may not believe this, but decide to push their way in without signalling or anything. That drives me nuts to no end.

I'll almost always try to ensure the merger has ample room to do so. If they have their signal on, I'll do everything I can. But when those assholes push their way in even though there is clearly not enough room... AND don't use a signal? ARRRGGG...

/rant

Originally posted by Kloubek


Woah. Jump to conclusions much? If you cared to read what I wrote before, I believe I mentioned that I do exactly that when possible. But sometimes people fly in and cut you off, or drive so slow when merging you need to gun it or brake hard. Either way, I'm simply staying you shoudn't *have* to do that. If I'm going to make an effort, the merging traffic should as well rather than to assume it is everyone else's responsibility to avoid them and that they own the road. At least put your damn signal on.

I apologize if you feel this is too much to ask. Or maybe you're just having a really bad day. It happens.

No I'm sure I read you correctly, both time. It's a merge why do they have to signal for you? kinda obvious what they have to do, no?

I don't have much problem letting people merge in, just make the space early enough and most people get it. If not oh well.

Read your first 'rant', sums up why I posted what I did.