Holding the Lane

You missed my point.

Most of the worst offenders are the police.

 

http://youtu.be/9efgLHgsBmM

 

Sorry but I do not watch videos.

 

My general rule of thumb when approaching an on ramp is to be as predictable as possible. Maintain speed and maintain lane. IF there is PLENTY of room in the hammer lane I'll move over. I'm always prepared for easing off the accelerator or applying brakes as needed, but really try to avoid braking (you never know if someone merging behind you is planning to gun it and cut it close to your trailer to show off their superior skills).

Biggest problem for me is those on ramps on sharp curves that have next to no merge lane. Lot's of those in LA area, cars pop up out of nowhere and have nowhere to go if they are at any speed.

Decades ago I lived in Boston a couple of years, around the time Massachusetts was implementing no fault insurance. I remember Time magazine covered the story and had a sidebar article that nailed Boston drivers to a "t":

- Never use the turn signal... it's a sign of weakness
- Lane stripes are for suggested direction of travel only.
- Never make eye contact in an intersection. The other driver will assume you see them and will cut you off.

The thing that always baffled me is the way NE drivers rush down the on ramp and then come to a screeching STOP to look before slowly moving out into freeway speed traffic. First time I was in a truck behind a car on an on ramp I nearly put the grill through their car when they did that special little maneuver. Pretty exciting in a cabover that leans forward when you brake hard...

 

to the op A big part of the problem with merging (along with many other situations) people are no longer taught the correct things to do when driving. Most do not know that they are the one who is supposed to yield when merging. The result is you being told you are no. 1. Another big factor is the ME FIRST syndrome. I probably do not need to explain that. Drive safe and good luck.