Tips for merging

dan-nickie wrote:

zach477 wrote:
What are your tips for merging with traffic when the lane you're approaching is at a near-45 degree angle from your lane? For example, a highway on or off ramp. As you get close to merging, you have a huge blind spot.

I think most posters have missed your point of being a 45 degree angle and you cannot see the merging traffic, correct?

I have found that this is the best use of the Side Cameras.
They have a very wide angle view and I can see anything that is on a merge path with my MH.

Many people say the side cameras are useless, but I find they are very valuable for just this one reason.

This is correct! I'm referring to the situations where the lane you want to merge into is smack in the middle of your blind spot because of the angle of the roads....roughly 45 degrees.

Just use Google to check your state's rules on this.
Here's what Minnesota says. I've checked a few other states and they say essentially the same thing. Of course we should all be courteous and drive defensively, but in MN and many other states the law is clear on who has the right of way when merging, regardless of how big you think you are. Should people move over if they can? Of course. Should you push them over because of your size? Really?

Entering the Freeway

Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of most entry ramps, you will find an acceleration lane that allows you to increase your speed in order to safely merge with traffic that is already on the freeway.

To avoid disrupting traffic flow or “cutting off” other drivers when you merge, try to adjust your speed to accommodate vehicles already on the freeway. You must yield to other vehicles when you are merging.
Use your turn signal to let other drivers know your intention. Watch for an opening in the nearest traffic lane and merge into the flow of traffic when you are able to do so.
Do not stop on the ramp or in the acceleration lane unless it is absolutely necessary.

When an acceleration lane is not available, and a “Yield” sign is posted on the entry ramp, obey the sign. Stop, if it is necessary. Do not force your way into the lane of traffic

My turn signal is a warning, not a request.

Merging has become a blood sport. People lack common courtesy and common sense. I have found that size does matter and people that lack common courtesy and/or common sense find it when they're presented with the prospect of being crushed by a vehicle many, many times their weight and size.

I use my mirrors and turn my head, but the reality is that I can't see everything - particularly people trying to squeeze past me at the last possible second to avoid being "stuck" behind me. I will not put my rig into a guard rail or slam on the brakes to avoid the idiots. Coming to a complete stop on an acceleration ramp (that's what they're called in NJ) and then trying to merge is far more dangerous than making some boob apply their brakes or change lanes.

punomatic wrote:
cause someone to jam on breaks for a panic stop and "expect" the oncoming traffic to make room for you.

How about let's get real here....OK ??

If the traffic is moving at 70 MPH, there should be at least 3 car lengths between vehicles. That's plenty to fit a car into without anybody even flinching......and almost enough to fit a motorhome into.

Blind spot mirrors are very helpful.
Regardless of what vehicle I am in, you can usually get a view of the main road as you approach the merge point. If there IS a space in traffic, that becomes my merge point. If some moron closes that gap in the few seconds that it takes me to get into it.......THAT IS HIS PROBLEM AND NOT MINE.

Merging into flowing traffic is a cooperative operation. Following too close (tailgaiting) is a ticketable offense, pretty much everywhere I think.

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

And if that is true, it just is more proof of how stupid people can be. If it is a mulit-lane freeway, they should "lose" no more than a few seconds.

I think they have a "race car" mentality and can't BEAR to have ANYBODY in front of them.....ever.....at all.

I ditto about max acceleration on the ramp. Lot of ramps at the end still have wide shoulder so in worse case scenario you will have to use it for a while.
Having long setups on occasions I see it on daily basis.
I am driving 36-40' long motorhome on the freeway and the car rolls on the ramp with its driver doing lot of things but observing freeway traffic.
When the ramp ends she/he looks to the left and sees my rear wheel at his eye level, so steps on the brakes and try to merge behind motorhome bumper.
OPS> here comes wide body boat trailer.

Have mirrors adjusted properly, signal early, glance back if needed, burn rubber at or near speed limit and slide right in. No problem.

Approaching at a slow rate of speed or stopping is the worst thing you can do.

Pogoil.

The dictionary definition of "merge" is: "to become combined, united, swallowed up, or absorbed; lose identity by uniting or blending." Hence, it is the responsibility of the vehicle entering traffic to "lose identity...by blending." After all, the sign that says "MERGE" is on the on-ramp.

You do not "lose identity" when you drive up the ramp slowly, fail to look in your mirrors or turn your head to see that there is oncoming traffic, cause someone to jam on breaks for a panic stop and "expect" the oncoming traffic to make room for you. When you do that, you GAIN identity as the jerk to whom my DD would say, "It's called MERGE; look it up!"

zach477 wrote:
What are your tips for merging with traffic when the lane you're approaching is at a near-45 degree angle from your lane? For example, a highway on or off ramp. As you get close to merging, you have a huge blind spot.

I think most posters have missed your point of being a 45 degree angle and you cannot see the merging traffic, correct?

I have found that this is the best use of the Side Cameras.
They have a very wide angle view and I can see anything that is on a merge path with my MH.

Many people say the side cameras are useless, but I find they are very valuable for just this one reason.

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.

Not on any Interstate highway that I have traveled on.