Merging into highway with yield sign on cloverleaf ramp?!

Those are the worst! There's one west of Chicago that I frequently have to deal with. You have about 1000 ft. to merge then you are getting thrown back off the interstate.

One time doing one of those monstrosities I came on to the interstate death ramp and was blinded by the sun's glare in my rear view mirror. I couldn't see anything! It worked out for the best, but I was kind of at the interstate traffic's mercy there. It seems like every time I am there and need to get off, there are always other cars getting on and flying past me on my right. And there is only small space to make your move.

EDIT: actually I think the interchange I am thinking of is closer to 500 ft, not even 1000. It's very small. I get nailed with it driving to Chicago from the west through Iowa.

 

In a truck you can't get it up to speed in the small window of room you are given. You are coming around a 20-30MPH on ramp and then boom.. you got 1000 ft to make your move. I can gain maybe 10 MPH in that provided room.. maybe.

It's a horrible design, and a hazard.

 

This is an interchange near San Antonio at 1604 an 10. Here however, they placed the yield signs so that those coming straight down the “access road” are supposed to yield to those coming out of the loop-around onto the access road.

1. Many are caught off guard and slam on brakes
2. The sign is placed in such a way it’s hard for anyone to tell who they’re trying to tell to yield
3. Truckers, once slowed or stopped, can’t see if there’s anything they need to be yielding to

Not sure if this is a “good solution” or not

 

Don’t feel bad. The whole state of Mississippi doesn’t know how to merge either. It’s up to you to fit in. Otherwise act clueless they’ll let you in.

 

That lane merge isnt too bad. Here in PA you are lucky to get an on ramp that long. Start crowding over the white line, and Wait for a spot to open up. As you get about a foot over the white line, you should have your spot secured. Plus you can stay on the shoulder for aways if you have to....that throws up a lot of dirt and dust....kind of a call for help to let me in.

As for the cars trying to get to their exit ramp, dont worry about them, they will maneuver around you. If they are on your left they will figure out they need to brake hard to get behind you, and that will open up a big hole for you.....suhweet.

You may get someone honking at you, or finger gestures waved at you, but they are just offering you kind words of encouragement......and showing their appreciation for your superior driving skills. You do what you gotta do with what the highway engineers designed for you.

 

Im dying

 

Yield and Merge mean two different things.

"Yield" is defined in the book as 15 miles per hour before proceeding. It has a specific speed defined, which in my opinion is a very dangerous concept when trying to 'merge' out into live flowing traffic, especially for a big rig that will take several seconds to get up to matching speed from 15 miles per hour.

"Merge" has no specific defined speed; instead it is left up the best judgement of the driver to understand was the word means and conduct all safe operation to blend into the flow of traffic accordingly.

 

You could do like that big rig driver did for me a while back. Put your blinker on on the side of me, flip me the bird, then slam on your brakes.

Still don't know what moron was thinking. I was accelerating he needed to slow down to exit. Why even TRY to get ahead of me in that situation? Slip behind me and be on your way.

 

I just drove through the state, from it's north to south borders, TWICE and I've never had more problems with people not knowing how to merge. One person in a 4 wheeler started to come down the merge ramp, I gave them room and at the last minute slammed on their brakes. I saw the 4 wheeler behind them in my rear view sliding sideways to avoid an accident. Good grief.

 

They’re about the worst I’ve seen anywhere. You can count on them stopping at bottom of ramp.Ive been told by relatives it’s because they’re not used to Interstate Driving .Driving mostly country roads.Hearing about accidents on the big road.