Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDude
I have a question, and don't shout at me, no I did not search the web for the answer.
If I am on a 2 lane road, say Hillsborough Trail and I want to turn left, or even merge, can I plan on this ahead of time and go over to the left lane early if there is no traffic on me (but traffic coming in the rear view mirror)?
What is the right way. I seem to get to the merge and go to the end, turn to see what is coming then, and then merging. If I merged earlier (when I know or see the merge) it seems safer to me.
What think?
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Well, if traffic is coming you should not be driving 1/4 mile in the car lane. Think of it like entering a 70 mph interstate after going around the cloverleaf. You wouldn't drive to the end of the merge lane and then look for the first time. You would be looking even as you rounded the cloverleaf and picking a gap. That gap might end up being near the beginning or near the end of the merge lane. So it's ok to merge a little before the end of the merge lane, but I wouldn't jump the gun and get in front of faster moving cars. Sometimes you have to slow up a bit to smoothly hit the gap. You don't have the advantage of a car that can accelerate into a merge.
As an aside, I'm sure you love those drivers that enter the interstate and head directly to the far left lane and park themselves there at 55 mph. Note to those individuals--YOU do not get to regulate the flow of traffic. YOU do not get to set the speed in any given lane. That's what speed limit signs and the police are for. How do you know if you are one of those drivers? It's easy--you are constantly getting passed on the right and getting a one finger salute. Another hint is if you ever look in your mirror there are 45 cars tailgating you. So like the title of the thread states: Slower traffic keep right - it is the LAW