How to merge into traffic

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  • Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
  • Drivers face the high anxiety situation of merging onto the highway everyday. Nationally recognized driver safety expert Dr. Terry Kline, Professor of the Traffic Safety Institute at Eastern Kentucky University, offers driving tips for safely joining the flow of traffic on the highway. This video describes the risks involved in merging and how to do it correctly and safely. Find out more at www.defensivedr...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 267

  • @horseluver136
    @horseluver136 6 років тому +517

    *comes here to overcome lifelong fear of merging onto the highway*
    "Actually a merge is probably one of your highest-risk maneuvers that you do as a driver."

    • @timzo926
      @timzo926 5 років тому +20

      Hannah J i’m newer at driving and that didn’t help 😂

    • @EstherOlabisi
      @EstherOlabisi 5 років тому +6

      😂😂

    • @Ari-lu5ve
      @Ari-lu5ve 4 роки тому +3

      Honestly yo 😂😂😂😂😂

    • @MrCaneast
      @MrCaneast 2 роки тому +5

      I usually pull over to the left to allow merging traffic in when I can. It's called sharing the road.

    • @Luwabi212
      @Luwabi212 2 роки тому

      Exactly what I was thinking smh lol

  • @robotpanda77
    @robotpanda77 10 років тому +313

    On a busy highway, all you can really do is just push into a gap and rely on them to slow down to let you in. A scary proposition relying on strangers.

    • @therealb888
      @therealb888 7 років тому +23

      robotpanda77 Yes, it's not just scary, it's deadly!

    • @petebusch9069
      @petebusch9069 5 років тому +15

      This is true but ONLY in stop and go traffic, everywhere else you have plenty of time and room to make your move by spotting the open gap and accelerate into it. If you rely on having people always let you in then you're doing it wrong, will eventually crash, and ARE THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO TRAFFIC!!!!!!!!!!!! Never force traffic to slow down.

    • @newyork6480
      @newyork6480 4 роки тому

      Pete Busch thank you that made me less scared

    • @susan-1love
      @susan-1love 3 роки тому

      THANK YOU!!! @Pete Busch I thought I was going crazy. Do people really expect moving traffic to slow or move out of the way for people that aren’t even on the road yet!!?

    • @eliezerzagorin8127
      @eliezerzagorin8127 2 роки тому +1

      not true, come off the ramp at 55 and you just slide in

  • @conadordeconaso
    @conadordeconaso 12 років тому +78

    None of this works in NYC. The entrance ramps are short, the merging lane ends too quickly, the highways are always packed, people speed up when you signal that you're gonna change lanes, and the roads are always under construction with barricades and traffic barrels everywhere. I'm surprised I'm still alive after all these years. It's nearly impossible to maintain a good following distance without people honking and angrily cutting in front of you. Sadly, it's survival of the fittest here.

  • @TheInternetBully94
    @TheInternetBully94 9 років тому +321

    Does screaming like a maniac before entering the freeway help?

    • @Weenknds
      @Weenknds 9 років тому +35

      +TheInternetBully94 FREEEEEEWAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY

    • @alinaromanovich3750
      @alinaromanovich3750 9 років тому +1

      +TheInternetBully94 Agree but recommend as well to Google search for Skyarza car coping star you will see why in no time he he,

    • @areyouraphael
      @areyouraphael 5 років тому +2

      Make way!!

    • @earvinrivas8192
      @earvinrivas8192 4 роки тому +3

      Lmao 💀💀💀

    • @rachelterry5321
      @rachelterry5321 4 роки тому +1

      Life is a highwayyyyyy

  • @shadowkitty1988
    @shadowkitty1988 11 років тому +82

    I hate merging. One time, I was attempting to merge onto the highway, so I increased my speed--saw that the driver in front was proceeding forward--glanced back to see a nice gap for me to merge into. Then, with every intention of filling that gap, I sped up to match the traffic flow----only to realize the driver in front of me had been overly cautious and had come to a complete stop in front of me. I had to slam on my breaks ... but thankfully no accident. Scary scary!!

    • @benjaminpoirier6297
      @benjaminpoirier6297 Рік тому +1

      Sorry to hear about this. Sounds very scary but at least there was no accident

  • @Cr8tiveSpirits
    @Cr8tiveSpirits 12 років тому +61

    I got my full license in January and driving on the highway is on my to-do list. It's a catch 22 because you have to go on it to gain experience but at the same time you don't feel safe going on it being inexperienced.

    • @shadyman3351
      @shadyman3351 Рік тому +1

      Lol I just got my permit yesterday and i already drove 45 min on the interstate today. Not too bad i just chilled in the right lane

  • @LoveAndSnapple
    @LoveAndSnapple 8 років тому +436

    Is anyone else also terrified to drive the highway?

    • @lindaeverett8848
      @lindaeverett8848 8 років тому +51

      What sucks is I'm still at the fetus stage of driving and I haven't really merged into a highway yet. But I have to for school. Jesus saves.

    • @anthonyg4113
      @anthonyg4113 8 років тому +42

      I just tried it at night and i hit the rumble strips lol I thought i was gonna die. I suck

    • @tehagent1321
      @tehagent1321 7 років тому +32

      I taught myself to drive all alone; just set your gigantic balls right up there on the dashboard and you'll be fine.

    • @weirdfan88
      @weirdfan88 7 років тому +23

      It's not that bad there's just a lot of idiots

    • @Virt7_
      @Virt7_ 7 років тому +3

      billy crystal also having a faster car helps for getting up to speed

  • @anonymoustruther1
    @anonymoustruther1 11 років тому +153

    people should get out of the right lane when a merge is coming up unless they are about to exit

    • @masih3184
      @masih3184 4 роки тому +9

      It should be a rule!

    • @MikeJ2023
      @MikeJ2023 3 роки тому +1

      @@masih3184 it wouldn’t be enforced like driving into the left lane is never enforced.

    • @jamman7344
      @jamman7344 3 роки тому +4

      It's what I do, otherwise I force the other drivers to get over or slow down. When merging you should increase speed and never slow down. I hate California for putting up those traffic lights on freeways, that shit is by far the dumbest idea anyone can think of. It doesn't work well and idiot drivers still get into accidents. I disagree with this old man,
      . IN FACT it's not the fact people drive slow on freeways, it's the lack of driver education. Any idiot in the USA can get his license by taking a simple questionnaire and practice driving for a few weeks. In no other country that I have been to does this sound logical. In Germany they take a 2 year course and that shit cost over 2,000 Euro's. I seriously doubt people would be driving stupid if they had to pay a lu.p sum just to get a card that lets them drive to point B.

    • @jamman7344
      @jamman7344 3 роки тому

      @@masih3184 it is a rule.

    • @jamman7344
      @jamman7344 3 роки тому

      @@MikeJ2023 looks like you never purchased an actual driver's hand book.

  • @smartdrivetest
    @smartdrivetest 8 років тому +56

    The reality of freeways is just the opposite. Few crashes or collision occur on freeways, or acceleration lanes for that matter, owing to the fact that traffic is travelling in the same direction. If there is a collision, these are often limited to vehicle damage and injuries and fatalities are significantly less than in urban areas or highways with opposing traffic. Thanks Cheers Rick

    • @Geno2733
      @Geno2733 7 років тому

      People haven't figured out the "Acceleration" part. Too often I see people hitting the BRAKES on the on-ramp.

    • @funtimes1427
      @funtimes1427 7 років тому +1

      I live in NY where a lot of merge ramps are short because the roads were designed in the 1930s when there was a lot less traffic. Self driving cars need to come ASAP

    • @schoolkutielake5336
      @schoolkutielake5336 7 років тому

      hi everyone ,if anyone else needs to find out about how to overcome phobia of driving a car try Tarbetti Car Coping Tutor (do a search on google ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my partner got great success with it.

    • @noundjadz5286
      @noundjadz5286 7 років тому

      hey ,if anyone else wants to learn about driving anxiety try Tarbetti Car Coping Tutor (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my neighbor got excellent success with it.

    • @mitchellstanlee7377
      @mitchellstanlee7377 4 роки тому

      just get the target match its speed and follow ''

  • @85funnyguy
    @85funnyguy 8 років тому +77

    90% of the time you have yield. If you can't merge you need to not necessarily brake, but reduce speed enough to find a clearing. If there is no yield the traffic on the highway should be kind enough to to let you over, but that doesn't mean they will. Those people are assholes.

    • @Geno2733
      @Geno2733 8 років тому +6

      Quebec Truck Drivers are good for not letting people merge.

    • @francophile92
      @francophile92 8 років тому

      +Geno2733 That's nice

    • @petebusch9069
      @petebusch9069 5 років тому +8

      Never slow down to change lanes or merge into traffic and never rely on people letting you over. This is dangerous, you will crash, and causes major traffic jams every day. Stop being lazy and plan ahead and learn how to change lanes by accelerating into your open space that already exits 99.999% of the time. You people wait until the last minute to get over, slow down, and expect everyone to get out of your way, that is lazy and just plain selfish. That and get spot mirrors on your car so you can see your blind spot which is the thing that you're afraid of.

    • @LJT9393
      @LJT9393 5 років тому

      Geno2733 same with Albertan Truck drivers... granted you’re talking about those guys who drive lofted pickups with big tires, they’re always dicks on the road. If you’re talking about semi trucks well then, maybe you’re not matching their speed and turning in soon enough cause semi trucks are who you need to be considerate of since they can’t just slam on their brakes and stop as soon as small vehicles. And they won’t brake hard to make a gap for you if you are coming into a merge slower than the speed that they are going.

    • @ATX-js1to
      @ATX-js1to 5 років тому

      I hate when people don’t let you over lol because you think you can merge into the lane and then they speed up

  • @Cdogbillionaire
    @Cdogbillionaire 10 років тому +26

    can't you get onto the freeway some way without merging? I tried to merge today and I messed it up and they gave me the finger and now I feel terrible. And my GPS is retarted I swear.

  • @WJOwen-ou4um
    @WJOwen-ou4um 8 років тому +26

    Merging into traffic is never the same. Usually you get your speed up to the speed of the traffic flow in the right lane and merge behind one that is going about your speed. Do not try to merge and go from the right lane into the left lane. try not to completely stop. Of course, if there is a traffic jam, the best you can hope for is that some caring driver will let you in. The main thing is to use your common sense and try to be as courteous as you can. No one rule applies all of the time.

    • @PianoGuy1226
      @PianoGuy1226 7 років тому +7

      W.J. Owen Very true. You see, one of my biggest fears is when the merge lane is super short, and it literally ends during the first couple of seconds you're on the freeway - meaning you have to merge right away. But you don't have enough time to look for a gap in traffic and there might be a line of cars (going 60+ mph) in the right-most lane where you're trying to merge. I've been in this situation many times before, and the only thing I could do is slow down until someone lets you in. I know it's a general rule of thumb that you should never slow down when merging, but in situations like this you have no choice but to do so

  • @zoegoodall2158
    @zoegoodall2158 5 років тому +14

    I'm a new driver and I'm pretty good but the only thing I have trouble with is the fact that no one lets me merge on so I get confused and i don't know if I should speed up or slow down. Any tips?

  • @pibender
    @pibender 11 років тому +9

    Great point to speed up to match oncoming traffic speed. Many people seem afraid to smash it and properly merge. If only more people would follow this rule.

  • @RhinoXpress
    @RhinoXpress 11 років тому +4

    yeah soo many people forget about the other lanes while merging I saw a wreck last month where a guy was coming onto the interstate and there was a gap in the left lane but there was a car next to that gap in the right lane and he changed lanes at the same time the other guy was merging and they both hit each other. I take merging like I do pulling out onto a 4 lane make sure both lanes are clear before preceding, just is because someone is in the other lane doesn't mean they will stay in it.

  • @swigler
    @swigler 2 роки тому

    Thank you Dr. Kline. Your interview was very helpful. We are growing fast here in Panama City Beach, Florida and we have our Roadway Design Engineers with our Department of Transportation helping with not only the public learning about the rules of merging but also our Bay County Sheriff's Department, too.

  • @raymanlegy
    @raymanlegy 8 років тому +37

    if people would get out of the right lane if they didn't need to that would be nice. left lane fast lane. Right lane slow or exit ahead lane. and also be looking out for mergers... adjust your own speed don't be blocking the merger coming in. I always MO e to the left lane in front of a merge just be extra courteous to the merger or I go a lot slower to let them I'm.

  • @williamfriar6295
    @williamfriar6295 2 роки тому +1

    Speed-matching the car RIGHT BESIDE YOU is not a good merging technique.
    Pro tip: accelerate to get ahead the car beside you, or, alternatively, let off the gas (no brake needed) and get behind the car beside you.
    You got this, Champ!

  • @plorsomnia
    @plorsomnia 8 років тому +87

    Try doing this when the merge lane is about 10 ft =_-

    • @PianoGuy1226
      @PianoGuy1226 8 років тому +16

      Wesley Tran Right? Sometimes the entrance lane ends as soon as you enter the freeway. The most you can do at that point is have your turn signal on and look for a gap. Hopefully someone will be nice enough to let you in. In Vegas where I'm from, it's pretty rare that drivers will be that nice.

    • @plorsomnia
      @plorsomnia 8 років тому +14

      It is rare for someone to be nice in that situation since that means you'd have to slow down considerably to let someone in (unless it's bumper to bumper traffic). I think they should put stop signs instead of yield signs since you might mistakenly think there is merge space and go straight into the freeway

    • @PianoGuy1226
      @PianoGuy1226 8 років тому +4

      Wesley Tran Good point! If you're being nice enough to let someone in (by slowing down), drivers behind you will get upset because you're going too slow.

    • @LJT9393
      @LJT9393 5 років тому +1

      That’s why before you even get into the merge lane you need to look over at the traffic, find the car you want to get in front of, and match their speed as you come into the lane and start turning in making sure tho that they’re aware and will slow down. People don’t hit you if you’re clearly in front of them with your signal on and they know it’s a merge lane. I have plenty merge lanes in my city that are really short which is why I find my spot well before I’m actually in the lane and trying to merge.

    • @chelseadefaz5962
      @chelseadefaz5962 5 років тому

      Yes!! They're so so so short where I'm from, and people are assholes and don't move over! I have my full licence test in a few days and am really nervous that this will happen during the test

  • @dgw9051
    @dgw9051 10 років тому +18

    I'm not a pro driver by any means but keep an extra keen eye for motorcycles. They are really easy to miss in mirrors as well as blind spots. I'd also add, if you are following a motorcyclist, give extra room. He/she can brake much faster than you, not to mention rear ending a bike can easily kill the rider.

    • @漢字の準備
      @漢字の準備 10 років тому +2

      Well, as far as my knowledge goes, my driving instructor taught me that not only are you supposed to treat a motorcyle like another vehicle in that you keep a distance from them as you would a car, but you are actually supposed to _INCREASE_ the following distance to about 3-4 car lengths.
      Also, when you are coming to a stop behind them, you must also have 1-2 car lengths in front of you.

  • @Forest__Dream
    @Forest__Dream 11 років тому +1

    Thankyou so much for this video! I am studying to take my drivers test and even though instructions are all written down, visual people like me NEED to see the actual action in which it is written. Thankyou so much!!!

  • @hannahmezzina1637
    @hannahmezzina1637 11 років тому +8

    i hate merging, I've been driving for over a year, but it's terrifying to put it mildly. Sure I make myself do it anyway, because where i live backroads aren't always an option. i am also a commuter college student and the highway is the only way to get to school. I panic the minute i get on the entrance ramp. If i have an experienced driver with me, I'm fine but for commuting to school that's just not practical since both my parents work and i'm one of five (mostly younger) children.

  • @skreign
    @skreign 9 років тому +28

    Well I'm still alive so things are good so far.

  • @menow.
    @menow. 9 років тому +12

    No mention, whatsoever, of using TURN SIGNALS when merging or changing lanes???

  • @kevin6804
    @kevin6804 11 років тому +6

    I used to think this & still do for the most part until I moved into a metro area where the ramps are too short & half the drivers are obnoxious and pass in the right lane even around on-ramps. Another thing around me is the on ramp/ off ramp combo where you are trying to accelerate and others are trying to pass you to exit and decelerate.

  • @BC33714
    @BC33714 3 роки тому +3

    Luckily I live in a low-traffic area where there’s never very many cars on the road, so merging onto my local highway has never been an issue for me. That being said, whenever I’m in a busier/high-traffic area, I try to avoid roads that require merging at all costs. Knowing that it is literally a matter of life-and-death if I can’t perfectly match the speed of traffic and fit into a tiny gap terrifies me. I know that the only way I can get more comfortable is by actually doing it, but just the thought of it makes me a nervous wreck. I am afraid that I am going to be too nervous and make some stupid mistake that ends up killing me or someone else.

  • @plorsomnia
    @plorsomnia 7 років тому +7

    If you are merging onto the highway with the merge lane ending and someone switches to the rightmost lane, who would be at fault in an accident? I would assume the person merging would be but if you think about it switching to the right lane when cars are merging is very unsafe.

    • @yearginclarke
      @yearginclarke 5 років тому

      I totally agree and I would like to know the answer to that also.

  • @PeterSchneemann
    @PeterSchneemann 3 роки тому +4

    I get that you need to signal as soon as possible and accelerate to the speed limit before merging. But who can tell me what to do if there are many vehicles one after another left of you who would not let you merge, while your lane is about to end and you are at such a high speed?

    • @susan-1love
      @susan-1love 3 роки тому

      Slow to a stop until there is a safe opening to fill

    • @PeterSchneemann
      @PeterSchneemann 3 роки тому

      @@susan-1love This makes sense, thanks. And I guess in heavy traffic I would not be at such a high speed anyways.

  • @rylencason4420
    @rylencason4420 7 років тому +1

    This video was made right here in Austin, Texas on US. 183, Loop 1, US. 290, and I- 35

  • @bowenc24
    @bowenc24 9 років тому +134

    Can not wait till all cars are controlled by computers.

  • @LovelyGirl-fm4ed
    @LovelyGirl-fm4ed 5 років тому +2

    What if there is no gap for your car?I had to merge onto a freeway last week and came to a stop,my mama said it was dangerous to do that,but I literally had no space to enter 😟

  • @crash86ed
    @crash86ed 11 років тому +9

    It's really great how they explain how to change lanes and completely forget to mention the turn signal.

  • @Has1b
    @Has1b 12 років тому +1

    when do you start accelerating on the ramp? Where I live the ramp is all swirvy I don't know what speed to enter it in and when to speed up big time for the highway...

  • @Snow.Drifter
    @Snow.Drifter 14 років тому +9

    The folks where I live literally like to match my speed as I try to get on the freeway... SO annoying.
    I end up just having to really step on the gas early and fly by them into a gap before they get a chance to. Before you say that is dangerous to merge going 75-80, realize that it is that or coming to a near stop on the freeway. I would rather be going 5-10 over the speed of traffic than 30-40 under...

  • @madanismail1
    @madanismail1 9 років тому +20

    And what if the ramp is too short and on a slope of a metropolitan HW and while trying to merge you see a truck on your left believe it or not truck drivers don't give a damn about you, traffic was at most at 0.5miles/hour (jammed) and the truck didn't let me pass he dented my rear left wing, SO Hell Yes You've Got to Stop when you see trucks on the first lane beside you, slowing down and even Stopping might be a MUST in certain situations. So professor think twice before saying Don't Stop

    • @WesternKYBackyardWildlife
      @WesternKYBackyardWildlife 7 років тому

      smail madani I was going to say if you have a clover leaf ramp... you have to stop. When in a rig going around a clover leaf ramp at 25mph it's Cary entering traffic going 65mph.

  • @Matt28651
    @Matt28651 8 років тому +1

    what if you can't find space to merge into? do you yield at the start of the freeway entrance, or just start to go slower next to other cars until a space opens up?

  • @charizclemente
    @charizclemente 2 роки тому +1

    New driver here, I was desperately trying to merge right today and I’m assuming he never saw the signal because when I did merge right he beeped at me 😭. Like I feel rlly bad too because I merged too quick. Oh well, now I’m learning how to safely merge

  • @youknowwhatflav9916
    @youknowwhatflav9916 3 роки тому +2

    Omg just looking at this got my heart beating fast

  • @Bluetailvappy
    @Bluetailvappy 13 років тому +1

    Now, combine that with the evil left hand merge We have a couple of those here. The entrance ramp is uphill around a sharp curve as well. The acceleration lane pretty much drops off into a bridge abutment.
    So to recap, short acceleration lane, uphill around a sharp curve, merging into the fast lane with traffic moving at 65+ mph. Now add big rigs to the equation.
    I use this ramp daily. Had way too many close calls there.

  • @christopherxxx8446
    @christopherxxx8446 9 років тому +1

    The DMV recommends 4 seconds of space between cars when merging. On a highway that would be 1/4 mile. In the city it would be equal to one block.

  • @bw7337
    @bw7337 6 років тому +2

    Try merging on the hwy at hwy speeds not 20 under. Probably solve a lot of issues. I've seen ppl waste a long onramp and still not even be close to the speed ppl are traveling on the hwy, then try to merge causing all kinds of problems.

  • @alovesherdoggie
    @alovesherdoggie 11 років тому +5

    uggh, I've been watching videos on how to merge all day. I get it and all, but it just makes me so nervous. I pretty much only drive around my city, which is okay and stuff. but in 3 weeks, I'm going off to college, and I'm commuting. It's a 30 min drive and I need to merge when I come home. I practiced with my parents and it's so difficult and scary! :(

  • @Tomahawk1999
    @Tomahawk1999 6 років тому

    what would be useful is to replace mirrors with sideview and back view cameras and then integrate the picture on a display placed where the rear view mirror is now. everything at one spot, look at the display and decide if you wish to change or not.

  • @Platinumrings
    @Platinumrings 11 років тому +3

    you must be a great driver lol I always use signals, when merging and changing lanes, always. I hate when drivers don't use blinkers when changing lanes, especially when cutting me off. They come off as arrogant jerks to me. I also drive fast which is why I get pissed off when I get cut off by a driver not using blinkers if that makes sense.

  • @NowPleaseReadThis
    @NowPleaseReadThis 3 роки тому +1

    Here's what everyone needs to know. I'm sorry if you were driving on the beach smoking pot the day Mr.T was teaching this in H.S. Drivers Ed.
    Drivers in the on ramp have the right of way. This because their acceleration lane is limited and ends soon! They are supposed to get up to the speed of the cars on the slow lane, so they can smoothly enter without causing them to hard brake or preferably not at all.
    It is your duty dear driver already on the highway to examine the on ramps as they come up to your right as you progress down the highway. They are pretty damn obvious usually as you approach them. So you should be thinking "Oh, there's a big-you-name-it that will have to accelerate slow because of it's heavy mass, or there's an especially slow you-name-it looking like by the time I get to his on-ramp I am going to need to accommodate them so they can get on safely and as smoothly as I can create for them.
    It does not matter if they are in fact going about it in the wrong way and even being timid and slowing up. Not everyone is as clever as you are and they need to get somewhere too. So suck it up damn it and work with them. If they are hesitant create a safe distance that even Wally Cox at his most timid when he was learning to drive would say to himself "I guess it's OK to enter" or better yet get over one lane to try to keep that guy moving! Driving is all about traffic flow in a safe and smooth manner and we all play a big part for the road environment even though we are just driving one vehicle and thinking about how many more reps we will try at the gym today.

  • @FrostFlag
    @FrostFlag 13 років тому +11

    Lol what the eff is going on at 1:27? I dont think any of those people know how to drive

  • @Encephalitisify
    @Encephalitisify 12 років тому +3

    this is the BIGGEST problem i see on the road--merging. I can't tell you how many times I have had to deal with someone who is going 45 miles an hour trying to get on an interstate with people going 70. HELLO!, when you get on the ramp start speeding up FAST so you can at least be going 60 preferably 70 BEFORE you get on the interstate. That is what an on ramp is for, otherwise they would just have a short road there.

  • @remy5062
    @remy5062 6 років тому +2

    major advice: use your turn signal way before entering the freewaw.

  • @myraquza4747
    @myraquza4747 9 років тому +1

    I'm very cautious when merging lanes ..i always look at my rear mirror then signal and shoulder turn to see my blind spots. but sometime the car in the next over lane merges at the same lane. same time i hate that!!!!

  • @KawaiiAznPanda7
    @KawaiiAznPanda7 12 років тому +1

    I have a drive lesson today and right now its 8:06am and I am going on the freeway.. I hate the merging it scares me.

  • @brittneybrisbin744
    @brittneybrisbin744 4 роки тому +2

    I'm so scared of driving on the highway but I have to in order to pass my driving test. Ugh.

  • @Salvus967
    @Salvus967 12 років тому

    yeh i think so. one time i was merging onto a highway and there was an unbroken column of cars going back atleast 300meters and being led by two 18 wheelers to my right, which made no attempt to move over for merging traffic. i tried flooring it to get in front of the 18 wheelers but it became apparent that i would not be able to do that before the merging lane ended so i had to slow down and just barely got in between the two 18wheelers..

  • @danielramotowski5187
    @danielramotowski5187 7 років тому

    I watched this same exact video in fall 2014 in driver's ed (sophomore year).

  • @zeclassy9963
    @zeclassy9963 10 років тому +1

    I hate when people just stop in the middle of the lane. And thats what most people do. (At least where I live). I rarely see people merge properly onto highways. But its a skill you need to learn while driving.

  • @DRDFOX
    @DRDFOX 14 років тому +1

    q:30 show a horrific example of exiting traffic on the highway that clearly could have moved over in advance of the merging lane to anticiapte merging cars. While I think the US/Canada are generally better driver than many other countries worldwide, as a Brit driving in Canada and US, the frequent refusal of drivers to move over to allow merging or letting people in from side roads is something that bugged me no end. Even when there was no other traffic drivers often stayed in the right lane

  • @chrischri7534
    @chrischri7534 4 роки тому

    I get anxiety getting on the interstate because everyone's always lane skipping where I live and doing 80mph i'm ready to just shrivel up and die or maybe move to kansas or some farm town get a job working on tractors and farming

  • @sweettoko995
    @sweettoko995 2 роки тому

    "Youre trying to enter the freeway cars on the freeway are whizing by, your trying to keep an eye on the car in front of you, drivers in the cars behind are eager for their chance to merge. It can be chaotic, and your the one at the gate. "
    *it cant get any worse*
    "...actually a merge is probably one of your highest-risk maneuvers that you do as a driver."
    *and then*
    "...and there are actually more crashes that happened during merging than during passing.

  • @MarcLloydZ
    @MarcLloydZ 12 років тому

    i was merging and the truck on slow lane slowed down and i know he has the right of way but he kept slowing down as i tried to slow down too so he honked at me but i knew he had the right away so i speed up and merged infront of him, Who was to blame ? what should of slowed down? i was of course in the front but he braked to slow down.

  • @Salvus967
    @Salvus967 12 років тому +1

    like the say, the most stressful part is merging...after driving down the highway for about 20mins u get the hang of it, and find that it is probably safer than driving on regular roads.

  • @kenllacer
    @kenllacer 2 роки тому

    This can be especially tricky when you have trucks going at high speeds on the right lane you're trying to merge in to.

  • @wimzee123
    @wimzee123 13 років тому +2

    It looks hard because the video was shot in Austin, TX. Those roads are HORRIBLE. I'm so glad I don't live there anymore.

  • @SpyFromMarsZeus
    @SpyFromMarsZeus 11 років тому +4

    I always thought looking back while driving only happens in the movie...

  • @Seanmcdhuibhne
    @Seanmcdhuibhne 11 років тому +1

    The only way to solve this problem is for the road safety authorizes and police to come down severely on those tailgaters who don't allow sufficient distance for merging traffic. There should be at least 3 "Must Merge in Turn" signs placed at say every 200ft spacing before enterance to motorway, and also cameras at each of these enterences to catch these law breakers. Any motorist who causes a collision by tailgating should get at least automatic 3 mth ban and heavy fine.

  • @coffeegrinder6319
    @coffeegrinder6319 4 роки тому

    Is this correct for every state in the US? I learned to drive and merge onto the highway exactly as you say here. Speed up, pick a spot, and go into that spot. Today a big red ford f250 merged onto the highway , and did not speed up. He expected me to speed up, or slow down, or change lanes. I maintained my speed which was the speed limit by the way, . We were driving side by side, with his acceleration lane ending. He finally sped up when he was out of lane, and got in front of me. I honked at him for being bad, and he gave me the finger!. Does the person merging into the highway have to yield to me, or I yield to him? I feel that I who am one the main highway, changing speeds, or changing lanes in congested traffic is very dangerous. What do you think?

    • @Milkikomori
      @Milkikomori 2 роки тому

      It’s polite to slow a bit to let someone in, especially if gaps in traffic are hard to come by. His options were to slow if there was space behind you, or if there wasn’t he was going to have to stop because you didn’t want to help him into the gap in front of you.
      You have the right of way, but if the only gap for awhile was in front of you and he matched the highway speed / your speed you forced him to floor it and speed to catch the gap without dangerously stopping on the ramp.
      You were in the right as far as you had the right of way; but you were the jerk for not helping someone on the road assuming there were no gaps behind you because of traffic. If there was plenty of space behind you he’s the jerk and could have slowed to merge behind you.

  • @Onneff69
    @Onneff69 12 років тому +1

    Regular merging with an acceleration lane is fairly easy. What about those highways that have NO acceleration lane after (or as a part of) their "ramp" - not to mention those with businesses whose parking lot exits directly ON to the highway itself. Not so easy.

  • @tsarrite
    @tsarrite 13 років тому

    @OpCzar that's par for the course in LA and the least of the infractions you'll experience.

  • @melrose2121
    @melrose2121 12 років тому

    I'll be moving to a big city soon and I really dread this as I have never driven on a freeway nor have I ever had to merge. Oh boy am I in for a treat -_-

  • @TheZane03
    @TheZane03 11 років тому +2

    Love driving but hate the high ways

  • @valandingham1
    @valandingham1 11 років тому +1

    1. You have to be traveling at near or slightly above the posted speed limit You cannot merge 35 MPH vehicle onto a 60+ MPH Freeway.
    2. You cannot merge into the safe breaking distance between vehicle without causing a collision.
    3. Never ride a lane until it dead ends and stop you can cause vehicles to collide with you.
    4. Don't merge directly in front of a Large Vehicles(Semis, Buses, vehicles over 4 tons)

  • @turboZ3
    @turboZ3 6 років тому

    The merge lanes in this video were like 500 ft lol the 2 closest to me go directly into the freeway.

  • @hannahmezzina1637
    @hannahmezzina1637 11 років тому +1

    and.. I live near Boston, as an anxious highway driver, nothing is more anxiety producing than seeing out in space, impatient, texting morons on the highway with you. And the fine for texting is a lame $100 around here smh

  • @joyjoyoo
    @joyjoyoo 7 років тому

    Ugh. I have a G license yet still have to go on the highway. I'm terrified

  • @js2009-g9f
    @js2009-g9f Рік тому +1

    It’s interesting as most drivers caught on the video are merging illegally by crossing the solid line😂

  • @Rudenbehr
    @Rudenbehr 7 років тому

    Does anyone know if teslas can do merging for you?

  • @NocturnalTerror
    @NocturnalTerror 14 років тому

    they have a pretty lengthy acceleration lane

  • @p154831
    @p154831 14 років тому

    by my house theres's an entrance ramp and a exit right after the entrance ramp pretty accident prone if you ask me

  • @ylm2015
    @ylm2015 10 років тому +3

    I move 50miles on ramp and when I see no car thats when I accelerate to 70.

  • @slade6alpha
    @slade6alpha 12 років тому +2

    What's worse is having a license and have never been on the highway...

  • @keokiracerhalsteren
    @keokiracerhalsteren 14 років тому

    @1:28 If they showed that longer, there wouldve been an accident left top of screen
    Nice video

  • @anand3033
    @anand3033 4 роки тому

    Somewhere in-between the BMW driver forgets to use blinkers everytime!

  • @crash86ed
    @crash86ed 11 років тому +4

    Many people never get the hang of it. Don't be one of those people!

  • @MrCaneast
    @MrCaneast 2 роки тому

    In South Florida it's common for traffic to speed up to close the gap so merging traffic can't merge in. In Hawaii on the H1 I had traffic slow and flash their headlights to allow me to enter. i was speeding up to traffic speed so I wasn't cutting them off. This happened 3 times in the 2 weeks we were visiting there. Very courteous drivers and friendly people.

  • @khmerbraveheart
    @khmerbraveheart 6 років тому +8

    Merging is easy. I get more accidents in the parking lot. 'Cause people don't know how to put their shopping carts away.

  • @twizz420
    @twizz420 10 років тому +3

    3 things that piss me off when merging:
    1. Slowing down. How the fuck do you expect to merge if you're doing less than half the speed limit?
    2. People on the highway who want to block me from merging. Why the fuck do assholes keep doing this shit? I don't fucking get it at ALL.
    3. People who go past the merge lane and onto the shoulder before merging in heavy traffic. What makes people think this is okay? PS. if people are doing this to you, drive partially on the shoulder just enough to where they can't squeeze past you. Then flip them off. They loooove that shit!

    • @demonjack123
      @demonjack123 10 років тому +14

      reason number 2 is probably why you do reason number 3

    • @danmarkings3658
      @danmarkings3658 10 років тому +6

      Number 2 is what i can't stand, some people do love to hog the first lane on the highway where most people merge, stay in the two middle lanes and fast lanes on the highway for now on then, i do admit merging and changing lanes on congested highways and roadways is the toughest part about driving.

  • @ExplosiveNixon
    @ExplosiveNixon 13 років тому

    @snakez05 How is it easier in England?

  • @Mark-cc3qy
    @Mark-cc3qy 2 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @danacampbell1958
    @danacampbell1958 7 років тому +1

    Thanks for making me more terrified.

  • @crash86ed
    @crash86ed 11 років тому +1

    Agreed. Pet peeve of mine is people who signal but do it too late to be of any benefit.

  • @Noone-rt6pw
    @Noone-rt6pw 3 роки тому

    Yeah, there are those that poke around on the merge lane so as to coincide with oncoming traffic, as if to attempt to cause a collision. Where the law states to speed up to the flow of traffic, but these others putt putt around to intercept oncoming traffic. I had it happen 3 or 4 times just the other day. Which, whoever is in the right lane, it's required to maintain speed. If traffic is clear, a person can merge over to the left, but in unknown territory, the right lane could easily be the exit lane.
    How many others hate the idiots that drive so as to intercept their entrance onto the road with oncoming traffic? In contrast to speeding up to the speed of traffic and merging well ahead of oncoming traffic. Or, falling back to merge in between vehicles en route.
    It's as if these baboons are deliberately causes wreck or put other drivers on heightened alert. But they don't do it to police cars, why?

  • @paityn5699
    @paityn5699 8 років тому

    I have my first Drivers Ed freeway drive test in 30 minutes & Im terrified of merging. 😅😢

    • @vertiian
      @vertiian 8 років тому

      +Paityn Myron How did it go? I have mine tomorrow. Ahhh

    • @paityn5699
      @paityn5699 8 років тому

      +littlebigsim Soooo good, omg I was freaking out for nothing. Just make sure you have a good instructor and you'll be okay. (:

  • @crash86ed
    @crash86ed 11 років тому

    This is correct.

  • @susan-1love
    @susan-1love 3 роки тому

    I’ve always believed that changing lanes just ups the percentage of a possible collision. If everyone moves to let a car in that’s a lot of moving. I’ve never understood why people think this is correct it can’t be 🤔keep moving traffic moving !!!Dont speed up or down or move over! Let merge….MERGE!

  • @Platinumrings
    @Platinumrings 11 років тому +1

    How to merge onto the freeway? You go fast fast and more fast! when i'm merging, I 'm already counting all the cars that I plan on getting in front of, that's how you merge on the freeway. sadly most drivers just slow down when merging, making it hard for the drivers behind and most importantly, IT CAUSES TRAFFIC!!

  • @ekr6
    @ekr6 Рік тому

    Protip: Set your cruise to 40 MPH on the on-ramp then wait for a opening.

  • @Autoctonal
    @Autoctonal 14 років тому

    good video

  • @rpgeek22
    @rpgeek22 3 роки тому +1

    1. Get a V8
    2. Look for an opening
    3. Accelerate

  • @slade6alpha
    @slade6alpha 11 років тому +2

    LOL, I still haven't driven on a highway... 10 months later.

  • @OpCzar
    @OpCzar 15 років тому +5

    0:40 Wow, 4 drivers merging on the solid line.

  • @christophersoren1768
    @christophersoren1768 3 роки тому

    If you're on the on ramp...turn on your turn signal!

  • @auntmelisa8689
    @auntmelisa8689 5 років тому +1

    If ya ass doesn’t want to make space for me I WILL MAKE SPACE MY SELF!