Timpo
08-17-2015, 10:19 PM
Steve Wallace: Zipper merging a basic, key driving principle (http://www.timescolonist.com/steve-wallace-zipper-merging-a-basic-key-driving-principle-1.2030468)
Steve Wallace: Zipper merging a basic, key driving principle
Times Colonist
August 14, 2015 06:00 AM
http://images.glaciermedia.ca/polopoly_fs/1.2030466.1439617336!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_563/new-004094-jpg.jpg
This lineup of traffic is twice as long as it needs to be because most drivers were choosing to extend the line instead of using both lanes, then "zipper" merging at the bottleneck.
My merging memo has made its way to the top of the heap of column priority, because of the numerous requests for further clarification and emphasis on the topic by loyal readers.
Let me start by saying that many British Columbians (the type better known as “Backward Columbians”) simply can’t merge properly. It is a relatively simple task that eludes many drivers in our province. Everywhere else in the civilized world, there is an acceptance of the principle of “zipper” merging. It means drivers proceed to the source of the merge, perhaps a construction speed zone, where vehicles travelling at low speed converge and form one lane. At that point, they should alternate the order of moving forward in the path of travel. This allows for two or more shorter lines of halted traffic, instead of one long line, stretching halfway across the countryside, causing gridlock for cross traffic having to negotiate such intersection paralysis.
For some ridiculous reason, those drivers who go immediately to the source of the merge and appear to be merging late are seen to be cheaters. Well, I have news for all those misguided holders of such a belief: You are wrong. Other countries make it mandatory to zipper merge, and post well-thought-out traffic signs to that effect. Only in Canada do we seem to resent those who merge efficiently and according to accepted international convention and courtesy. Instead of boiling over with impending road rage with these drivers merging at source, let them in and be thankful for their efficiency.
Many drivers actually stop at the end of a well-defined and ample-distance merge lane. These lanes are meant to allow enough space and time for a driver to accelerate to a speed that matches traffic and do a smooth, seamless entry to the freeway or highway. Stopping unnecessarily in the merge lane is foolish, dangerous and invites a rear-end collision. It should be an offence. Sadly, it is not enforced as a violation of “undue care and attention” to the driving task.
High-speed merging should be done efficiently by looking at the spaces between vehicles, not at the vehicles themselves. The spaces are bigger than the vehicles. They are moving at the speed of travel. You can’t hit a space and you certainly can’t kill one. Equalling the speed of the space is the best way to execute a merge. By doing the merge in this way, fellow drivers will not be looking to “execute” the malfunctioning merger all too prevalent on our roads.
(Thankfully, B.C. road tests include the merging task as a vital component to acquire and maintain a full-privilege unrestricted driver’s licence.)
When drivers see a potential developing conflict with another driver entering the freeway at a clearly marked merge area, they are legally obligated to accommodate merging traffic. It is not a yield sign: It is a merge sign, and there is a duty to make way for entering traffic. Freeway drivers should move left to allow entry of merging vehicles on multiple-lane roads. They should also maintain a constant speed to give surety and consistency of speed to those entering the single-lane, one-direction type of highway. It is much easier for a merging driver to judge a constant speed of travel configuration.
When traffic is congested, zipper merge. When traffic is flowing naturally, fill the available space and merge seamlessly.
Thanks to Glenys, Ken, Jason and Graham for the gentle prodding, bordering on mild peer pressure, to address this subject once again.
Feedback is always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading.
Steve Wallace is the owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island. He is a former vice-president of the Driving Schools Association of the Americas, a registered B.C. teacher and a University of Manitoba graduate. Email him at stevedwallace@shaw.ca
Steve Wallace: Zipper merging a basic, key driving principle
Times Colonist
August 14, 2015 06:00 AM
http://images.glaciermedia.ca/polopoly_fs/1.2030466.1439617336!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_563/new-004094-jpg.jpg
This lineup of traffic is twice as long as it needs to be because most drivers were choosing to extend the line instead of using both lanes, then "zipper" merging at the bottleneck.
My merging memo has made its way to the top of the heap of column priority, because of the numerous requests for further clarification and emphasis on the topic by loyal readers.
Let me start by saying that many British Columbians (the type better known as “Backward Columbians”) simply can’t merge properly. It is a relatively simple task that eludes many drivers in our province. Everywhere else in the civilized world, there is an acceptance of the principle of “zipper” merging. It means drivers proceed to the source of the merge, perhaps a construction speed zone, where vehicles travelling at low speed converge and form one lane. At that point, they should alternate the order of moving forward in the path of travel. This allows for two or more shorter lines of halted traffic, instead of one long line, stretching halfway across the countryside, causing gridlock for cross traffic having to negotiate such intersection paralysis.
For some ridiculous reason, those drivers who go immediately to the source of the merge and appear to be merging late are seen to be cheaters. Well, I have news for all those misguided holders of such a belief: You are wrong. Other countries make it mandatory to zipper merge, and post well-thought-out traffic signs to that effect. Only in Canada do we seem to resent those who merge efficiently and according to accepted international convention and courtesy. Instead of boiling over with impending road rage with these drivers merging at source, let them in and be thankful for their efficiency.
Many drivers actually stop at the end of a well-defined and ample-distance merge lane. These lanes are meant to allow enough space and time for a driver to accelerate to a speed that matches traffic and do a smooth, seamless entry to the freeway or highway. Stopping unnecessarily in the merge lane is foolish, dangerous and invites a rear-end collision. It should be an offence. Sadly, it is not enforced as a violation of “undue care and attention” to the driving task.
High-speed merging should be done efficiently by looking at the spaces between vehicles, not at the vehicles themselves. The spaces are bigger than the vehicles. They are moving at the speed of travel. You can’t hit a space and you certainly can’t kill one. Equalling the speed of the space is the best way to execute a merge. By doing the merge in this way, fellow drivers will not be looking to “execute” the malfunctioning merger all too prevalent on our roads.
(Thankfully, B.C. road tests include the merging task as a vital component to acquire and maintain a full-privilege unrestricted driver’s licence.)
When drivers see a potential developing conflict with another driver entering the freeway at a clearly marked merge area, they are legally obligated to accommodate merging traffic. It is not a yield sign: It is a merge sign, and there is a duty to make way for entering traffic. Freeway drivers should move left to allow entry of merging vehicles on multiple-lane roads. They should also maintain a constant speed to give surety and consistency of speed to those entering the single-lane, one-direction type of highway. It is much easier for a merging driver to judge a constant speed of travel configuration.
When traffic is congested, zipper merge. When traffic is flowing naturally, fill the available space and merge seamlessly.
Thanks to Glenys, Ken, Jason and Graham for the gentle prodding, bordering on mild peer pressure, to address this subject once again.
Feedback is always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading.
Steve Wallace is the owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island. He is a former vice-president of the Driving Schools Association of the Americas, a registered B.C. teacher and a University of Manitoba graduate. Email him at stevedwallace@shaw.ca