Traffic challenge

proxim2020 wrote:

dodge guy wrote:
Yep, it`s called "failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident" it can be written on the merging vehicle as well as the vehicle on the hwy!

It is the job of the person behind the wheel to keep things safe, for both you and the people around you. If this means slowing down, speeding up or changing lanes then that`s what you have to do. I believe that was covered in drivers ed!

In Texas you have no obligation to slow down. The law clearly states that the traffic on the highway has the right of way.

Sec. 545.061. DRIVING ON MULTIPLE-LANE ROADWAY. On a roadway divided into three or more lanes and providing for one-way movement of traffic, an operator entering a lane of traffic from a lane to the right shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering the same lane of traffic from a lane to the left.

This law applies to traffic entering the freeway as well as lane changes. The person on the right has the responsibility to not create the accident. It's pretty simple. If a vehicle merging from the right hits you, it's their fault. The transportation code also gives the person entering the freeway options to temporarily ride the shoulder if necessary.

Sec. 545.058. DRIVING ON IMPROVED SHOULDER. (a) An operator may drive on an improved shoulder to the right of the main traveled portion of a roadway if that operation is necessary and may be done safely, but only:
...
(2) to accelerate before entering the main traveled lane of traffic;
...
(5) to allow another vehicle traveling faster to pass;
...
(7) to avoid a collision.