How To Correctly Merge in Traffic

How do you arrive at this logic?

• Roads were created with traffic and potential bottlenecks in mind. Road network designers choose specifically where lanes will merge and where to minimize bottlenecks and minimize the number of people slowed by a single point of failure.
• Using All lanes of the road at all times is efficient. When every bit of space is used in traffic it maximizes the capacity of the road and creates efficiency. More cars would be closer to their destination if everyone used all available space.
• Road designers expect drivers to choose the path of least resistance. If each lane is equally backed up it minimizes the number of people that will be slowed by a single point of failure. Scientific process is used in choosing merging locations because there are places that are more efficient to merge increasing the speed of traffic.
• Can you think of any merging locations where it might be smoother if half of people late merged? Sometimes lanes end right after traffic has already joined. Does it make sense that there could be less of a slowdown if everyone merged where there was 5 lanes across instead of only 2?

• Carefully Distribute. There should be an equal number of cars in each lane so carefully distribute by being alert and leaving space infront of you to move. Don't let one lane be completely empty while the other completely backed up. Unless you need to be in that lane, distribute!
• Match their speed. Out of safety and respect do not ever drive a speed largely disproportionate to the cars in the lanes next to you.
• Maintain a safe distance. Try to watch two or more cars ahead and maintain a speed that has you keeping up with the traffic but not having to slam on your brakes if cars abruptly stop
• Wait your turn. As you approach the merge section match the speed of the car next to you and attempt to find your place in line. When it is your turn the dashes between the lanes will disappear. Use your signal to enter the gap provided for you by the person next to you.
• Don't worry if rudeness occurs. If there is no gap avaiable due to disagreement, it is OK, brush it off as one of those things that happens in life, slow down slightly, and attempt to enter the space behind him.
• Hold others accountable! If you saw rudeness from another driver directed towards yourself or somebody else be sure to note of the plate and later rate them on T-REXT. Rating someone and having it become public record is the first step to helping these people recognize they are dealing with real people and a little kindness goes a long way.