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Author Topic: Merging Problems  (Read 9179 times)

kphoger

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #25 on: March 14, 2017, 10:13:33 AM »

Here in my area, the problem isn't people merging onto freeways/interstates. The SCDOT often adds accel lanes at intersections with major divided highways ( like US 17 & 501 here in the Myrtle Beach area). The reason I stated that people seem to be using them wrong is because, as I mentioned above, is that drivers with inch along in the accel lane at somewhere around 5 MPH meanwhile trying to find a gap in traffic doing at around 55 MPH.

I think a lot of it is due to driver impatience, US 17 in the Myrtle Beach area has an AADT of around 35,000. I also think inattentive drivers are part of the problem in situations where traffic is not as heavy.
I assume you're talking about light-controlled intersections? Then IMHO that just illustrates that dense traffic doesn't have enough merge opportunities. This is not about technique, this is more about a design concept not fully applicable to existing conditions, such as traffic volume. Doesn't mean it has to be removed if extra accidents are not created, it probably works just fine outside peak periods.

I see the behavior around here at cloverleaf-type weaves.  The merging vehicle doesn't accelerate in the shared accel/decel lane in order to match traffic, but rather comes to full stop for no reason, waiting for a gap in the adjacent lane, when the driver could easily find a nice gap if she'd just get up to speed.
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vdeane

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #26 on: March 14, 2017, 06:34:42 PM »

I hate it when people do that on a cloverleaf... especially if I'm right behind them and get forced to do that myself.
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kalvado

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #27 on: March 14, 2017, 08:07:40 PM »

I hate it when people do that on a cloverleaf... especially if I'm right behind them and get forced to do that myself.
And if traffic in right lane is dense enough, you may find yourself in a situation when there is not much to do. For example if there is a traffic light just upstream of the cloverleaf....
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machias

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #28 on: March 14, 2017, 08:17:13 PM »

Some of the entrance ramps on the NYS Thruway have an extended acceleration lane. Quite often, at least between Syracuse and Albany, drivers will creep down the entrance ramp at 35-45 and then immediately jump into the right hand travel lane, ignoring the extended acceleration/merging lane. There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
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signalman

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #29 on: March 15, 2017, 09:14:03 AM »

There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
I've done this plenty of times over the years and have occasionally been honked at too.  Sometimes a one finger salute accompanies it.  I agree that the acceleration lane is there for a reason and it's their fault for not utilizing it.

texaskdog

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #30 on: March 15, 2017, 10:26:34 AM »

There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
I've done this plenty of times over the years and have occasionally been honked at too.  Sometimes a one finger salute accompanies it.  I agree that the acceleration lane is there for a reason and it's their fault for not utilizing it.

Wave back it will drive them crazy
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jeffandnicole

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #31 on: March 15, 2017, 12:04:30 PM »

There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
I've done this plenty of times over the years and have occasionally been honked at too.  Sometimes a one finger salute accompanies it.  I agree that the acceleration lane is there for a reason and it's their fault for not utilizing it.

Wave back it will drive them crazy

Or a large, grinning smile.  Or blow them a kiss!
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signalman

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #32 on: March 15, 2017, 12:14:54 PM »

There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
I've done this plenty of times over the years and have occasionally been honked at too.  Sometimes a one finger salute accompanies it.  I agree that the acceleration lane is there for a reason and it's their fault for not utilizing it.

Wave back it will drive them crazy

Or a large, grinning smile.  Or blow them a kiss!
I usually wave.

kalvado

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #33 on: March 15, 2017, 12:58:28 PM »

There have been a few situations where I actually sped up to 65, remaining in the lane, passing the person in front of me on the right and on my way. I don't like doing that and I've been honked at once or twice for making that move, but the acceleration lane is there to get up to speed and match freeway speeds to merge in. I'll always use as much of the acceleration lane/taper to do so.
I've done this plenty of times over the years and have occasionally been honked at too.  Sometimes a one finger salute accompanies it.  I agree that the acceleration lane is there for a reason and it's their fault for not utilizing it.

Wave back it will drive them crazy

Or a large, grinning smile.  Or blow them a kiss!
I usually wave.

Just smile and wave, boys, smile and wave!
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slorydn1

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #34 on: March 19, 2017, 05:36:07 AM »

I was taught to salute back when saluted, LOL.
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signalman

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #35 on: March 20, 2017, 10:20:41 AM »

I have a buddy who will moon people if he's flipped off (yes, even when driving somehow)

Brandon

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Re: Merging Problems
« Reply #36 on: March 20, 2017, 11:15:19 AM »

I have a buddy who will moon people if he's flipped off (yes, even when driving somehow)

He'd rarely cover his ass around Chicago then.
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