Freeway construction zone protocol: to merge or not to merge

[PragMantisT]

Whenever I approach a construction zone on a four lane freeway, I wonder, "when is the proper time to get into the non-closed lane?"

Last week, I was driving to the lake. I drive a van and basically stay in the right lane always except to pass. Before I knew it, both lanes were at a standstill. We had not even seen a sign mentioning lane closure. There I sat in the right lane. Finally, i saw an electronic sign saying "Right Lane Closed, 2 MILES"! Two miles? and both lanes are already at a standstill. About the time the sign came into view, everyone merged to the left lane. That left the right lane wide open for me to continue for a good mile or so past the stopped left lane. Was I wrong? Inconsiderate? Stupid? I never even worried about changing lanes. Eventually, a gap opened up and I got into the left lane and through the construction zone.

I have two ways of dealing with construction zones. I either exit and find an alternative. Most interstates follow an older state highway, and a good state map will show it. Sometimes it crosses the interstate and you can see if the traffic has started to thin out or if you are past the construction. Otherwise, I stay in the lane to be closed for as long as possible.

My reasoning is: why have a four mile line when you can have two two mile lines? When the construction mandates merging, take turns. Why make a line of traffic even longer when there is a perfectly good lane wide open.

I know people hate when I zip by them at a standstill, but honestly, I think they are fools. Regardless of what I do, they are still not moving. I will never cause them to have to back up, so I cannot make them go any slower.

What is the consensus? Merge immediately, or keep moving?

Thanks for your input.

[Longhorn]

1. I don't think you were wrong, inconsiderate or stupid.

If everyone followed your example, then everyone would experience roughly the same amount of delay at the merging point and going through the zone. The fact that they leave a perfectly legal lane too soon isn't your fault.

Now, if you were to get into an "exit only" lane in order to pass everyone and then merge out of that lane back into traffic, I'd have a problem with that. We have a major bottleneck in our town where a two-lane freeway merges to one lane and then stops at a traffic signal. People used to drive on the shoulder to pass everyone and then force their way in when the shoulder ran out. THAT was rude! So when I found myself in that situation (and back when I drove a big ole van to haul my four kids around!), I would straddle the lane and the shoulder so they couldn't pass me! :)

[PragMantisT]

2. I would never make my own lane. But I know what you mean.

In Arkansas, where I live, there are many abandoned weigh stations that are used as rest areas for truckers. I heave seen people go through them to get about a quarter mile ahead in a traffic jam. That ain't kosher. I usually don't let them back on if I can help it.

I have seen truckers straddle the lane when a lane is backed up and the other is open. I think that's bull as well.

[NashVegas]

3. Merge When Ya Can

What causes these back-ups are people who want to stay in the lane that's closing, and pass as many people as they can before the bottleneck. "Ooooh, I'll pass all the fools in the right lane!"

The result is they have less room to manoever when they've passed as many as they can, and force everyone in the lane that's remaining open to come to a halt as they bust their way in.

Then you get people who were in the right lane all along and resent the fuck who decided to pass everyone, so they make it even harder for him to get back in.

[Beaker]

4. I used to merge early...

but I got tired of seeing people whiz by, only to be let into the line by those farther up. I finally decided "Cheney It!" if they're going to let people in, i'm going to be one of them.
Soooooo...
I'm the person who zooms all the way up to where the flashing lighted sign blocking the lane finally forces you to merge into the next lane of traffic...and the person letting me in is one of the morans in front of you.

[Beaker]

5. and speaking of merging...

it's done with your foot on the accelerator, not the brake, you stupid cheneying morans...

the same with lane changes- look ahead, not behind when you want to get into the next lane, and move over while you're speeding up, not slowing down.

and if the people who are too scared to drive would kindly NOT, it would make the roads a heck of a lot more efficient for everyone else.

[Endangered Specie]

7. amen to that

and if your going to turn, use the blinkers not .032 seconds before you turn!

[RamboLiberal]

6. If you listen to the DOT people you're supposed to merge

on heavily traveled highways when you get to the merge point. I've heard numerous times discussions from DOT people that the backups are caused by people trying to merge too early and by idiots in the open lane who refuse to let people get in when you get up to the merge point.

Course better signage should explain all this to the dimbulbs driving.