Tips for merging

My experience has been they do not want you in front of them because you will slow them down.

As I'm approaching the roadway of the ramp proper, I've put the pedal to the metal(maximum acceleration),and I'm looking to the left in order to judge where I'm going to fit. At the merge point, I'm going at least at the speed of the traffic (I shoot for faster). I've got my signal lights on, sometimes ALL lights. Yes, I'm ready to hit the brakes, in case there's a hater out there who will block me (it's never happened).
If the traffic is truly bumper-to-bumper, which causes all traffic to slow down, I change my plan to simply realizing that I'm going to need to go slow and take my time(almost at standstill). In that scenario, I know I'm going to have to wait for a generous(kind/smart) driver to let me in.

3oaks wrote:
That attitude is what causes accidents.
All highway on ramps I have seen have a YIELD sign on the approach ramps. Have a safe day! Obey all the rules of the road.

I think you need to look closer and re-think your attitude.

Interstate on ramps do NOT have YIELD signs because.......
stopping or slowing WAY down when getting on is much more dangerous that an orderly merge. It guarantees that you will surprise someone behind you AND then you won't be up to speed when you do decide to try and merge.

The REAL cause of merging accidents is the drivers who act like A-holes (or who are not paying attention) and don't make space for the incoming vehicles.

Edit: IF you are merging on to a non-Interstate road and/or where the prevailing speed of traffic is 40 MPH or less OR it is extremely congested due to a traffic backup OR there actually IS a yield sign present......than that's a whole different story.

High speed merging is a cooperative thing and the guy who doesn't cooperate is the one in the wrong.

I just had a semi go past me on an on ramp to I 75, I was doing the speed limit on the ramp and was just accelerating to merge when he went to the left of me in the white marked area forcing me to brake and the car in the outside lane had to swerve to the left to avoid hitting him. A very piss poor driver, didn't get the phone number as he disappeared.

If I'm not up to speed and can't get in I just run the breakdown lane until I can merge. I don't worry about crashing into the white line.

It depends on where you are. Here in Mass, stand on the throttle, put your blinker on and pull into the travel lane at the end of the approach lane. Making eye contact is a sign of weakness.

3oaks wrote:

summerhouse wrote:
Not to mention, we are much bigger then most of the other vehicles out there...they will move...either out of courtesy or fear!!

That attitude is what causes accidents.
All highway on ramps I have seen have a YIELD sign on the approach ramps. Have a safe day! Obey all the rules of the road.

I see this every day. Four or five cars move over to let you out, but one maintains that lane even though they have plenty of room to move over. Is it still my responsibility to merge---yes. There is no law that says that driver needs to be courteous.

When my options are slamming on my brakes, driving off the edge of the ramp, or "encouraging" a bit of respect from that driver--- I am not against a bit of forced common courtesy.

By the way-----

My favorite is the person coming down the ramp behind me, who doesn't think I am getting up to speed fast enough, that jumps out behind me into that little space I need while I am still waiting for the car beside me to clear.

I will not slow down, I will not drive off the road for you, You take my space, my turn, and I am coming out whether you are there or not.

Plan ahead. You know there's a blind spot on your right from about the rear axle to the front bumper so check traffic before hand to give you an idea there might be a problem that will require added attention. Slow down as you approaching the exit and broadcast your attentions. If you have a second person use them as a spotter. Most of the time you can see what traffic looks like on the ramp as you're approaching and can estimate if someone might end up in the blind area. Be ready to abort and take the next exit if possible. When driving a coach time should be the lowest factor on your priority list.

You could also add an additional mirror on the right for the blind area. You won't be able to read a license plate but you'll know something is there.

Pulling 53' or tugging our little 19' TT, I take the same approach. Use the ramp to get up to speed, then merge. I will stop on that ramp if traffic is so heavy that merging is not safe ( I have to yeild, not them), but if there is room for traffic to move over...I am coming out. Traffic doing 70, me only doing 50 mph, Oh well, so sorry, go around or hit your brakes.

Tractor trailer or travel trailer---it takes a bit to get em moving. Momentum is your friend. Most people respect that, I am not afraid to force the issue. If you try and WAIT until absolutely no one has to slow down, or move over---You will never get onto the road. Pick a time were traffic can see you, have time to respond, then boldly step out.


More to the OP's point.... Typical merging from the right, normally allows you the ability to lean forward, back, or look out the window. Either will give you a differnt perspective, and eliminate many blind spots. Merging from the left will have more blind spots, so you need to recognize these approachs before you enter them, do a traffic "count", no where you plan to fit in, and be prepared that everything you think you saw may have changed by the time you get to the actual merge point.

Put your head on a swivel, and always have an alternative "out".