Quote:
Originally Posted by dillywho
Looks like the key here is that Rubicon was already out of the diamond lane and merged in with the left turn traffic. This driver was definitely at fault for several reasons, as has been pointed out. A couple of other factors come into play: #1) Speed of the driver even prior to accelerating and #2) IF the driver was paying attention, it is POSTED at a reasonable distance back that carts are to merge with traffic. Car drivers should be expecting them to do exactly that. Merge does not mean to stop and wait for all traffic to pass; it means the same on the highways and drivers are expected to move over when possible to allow for merging or to even slow their speed.
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I have little doubt that the auto driver is at fault. For one thing because I trust Rubicon and his take on the situation.
But there is plenty of talk here that sounds like no matter what, if the car is any distance behind the cart traveling at any speed, then the cart has the right-of-way. That is simply not the case.
Yes, there are signs showing the merge is approaching. But just like on a highway, the primary (not full) responsibility is on the driver in the lane that is being terminated to adjust speed and find an appropriate gap for a merge...not to just signal and move left.
It's somewhat similar to a right turn on red. Just because a vehicle approaching your intersection is to your left does not automatically mean you have the right to turn in front of it. The gap must be enough to allow you to enter the lane and reach a reasonable speed without requiring the approaching vehicle to make any extreme or evasive maneuvers.
You're correct..."merge does not mean to stop and wait for all traffic to pass". But it's just as true that merge does not mean you can just signal and go.