Don’t Feel Cheated: ‘Late Mergers’ in Construction Zones can Actually Ease Traffic Congestion

Most drivers believe they are abiding by proper roadway etiquette when they merge as soon as possible after being notified of a lane closure. Because most drivers merge early, an open lane is created that many take advantage of. Those drivers that take advantage of the open lane end up passing the early mergers and slipping into the flow of traffic just before their lane closes. These drivers are known as late mergers. The majority of motorists feel late merging cheats those drivers who have already merged and creates tension on the road. Be that as it may, a recent study by the Minnesota Department of Transportation concluded that when there is traffic congestion, late merging shortens the length of backups and is safer because both lanes of traffic are moving near the same speed. It reduces road rage, too. So, in order to obtain efficient traffic flow, drivers are encouraged to utilize all lanes of traffic until it is time to merge.