We’ve all been there – you’re coming upon road construction, and you see a sign that shows two lanes will merge into one. And it’s not unusual, as you get closer to the lane closure, to witness multiple episodes of road rage.
Why do zipper merges result in so many crashes, and who is to blame?
What is a zipper merge?
A zipper merge aims to efficiently merge vehicles into a single land during road closures or land reductions. Its purpose is to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion by having drivers use both lanes until reaching the merge point, then taking turns to merge, much like the teeth of a zipper coming together. While it’s supposed to be a fair and orderly process, it can be anything but safe and efficient during heavy commuting times.
One major issue is driver behavior. Many drivers are accustomed to merging early rather than utilizing both lanes up to the merge point. However, early merging can disrupt the traffic flow and lead to last-minute lane changes that catch other drivers off guard, forcing them to brake and swerve. These maneuvers significantly increase the risk of collisions.
Another problem is the potential for aggressive driving, especially when drivers believe the motorists in the other lane are “cutting in line.” Frustration leads to actions such as blocking lanes, tailgating or even intentionally colliding with vehicles trying to merge. This type of driving endangers the drivers involved and poses significant risks to surrounding traffic.
Furthermore, episodes of road rage can quickly escalate, resulting in severe injuries or even death.
Utah and Illinois have made zipper merge mandatory, and several other states highly recommend the practice. Tickets have been issued in instances where non-mergers failed to let other cars into the one lane and caused accidents.
If you are attempting to zipper merge into one lane and are severely injured by an aggressive non-merger, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.