Community Forums

Fossilhog · 09-10-2010, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyJC

For clarification, I have no problem with the zipper principle in theory. Having two lines of equal length alternating merges at the designated merge point would be fine - if that's how it actually worked in practice.

To cite an old homile - In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice; in practice, there is.

Rusty

I actully saw this work a few years ago on RT 80 in central Pa. However there were sign stating "continue 2 lanes until the merge" which made it clear what to do. Seems like everyone behaved and it worked. Then again it was Amish country!

TXiceman · 09-10-2010, 06:58 PM

Problem is too many people do not understand haw the zipper works and refuse to alternate or they are too timid to make the merge. I really desist the ones that will not let the next one in. What difference will one vehicle length make at the end of the day?

Ken

CD · 09-10-2010, 09:02 PM

I think the first comment at the bottom of the link I posted earler had the right idea. A picture is better than a thousand words.

R1Kirby · 09-11-2010, 07:14 AM

I like the morons that can't seen to stop behind the stop line. They race up to the intersection and stop nearly in it. I watch a truck take the front end of a car because he failed to stop behind the stop line. Second, tailgaters. I have a sign on my vehicle that reads. "If you can read this...then I can deploy your air bags at anytime I choose"

Ken-55 · 09-12-2010, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R1Kirby

"If you can read this...then I can deploy your air bags at anytime I choose"

Alan_Hepburn · 09-12-2010, 08:03 PM

So let me get this right - when my lane is ending and I want to merge left, rather than take advantage of a large opening real early I'm supposed to wait until the last moment and try to force myself into the heavier traffic flow?

Sorry - I'll continue to use my method - once it's clear that a merge is needed I look for a large opening in the lighter traffic ahead of the merge, rather than waiting 'til the last moment...

RickO · 09-12-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan_Hepburn

So let me get this right - when my lane is ending and I want to merge left, rather than take advantage of a large opening real early I'm supposed to wait until the last moment and try to force myself into the heavier traffic flow?

Sorry - I'll continue to use my method - once it's clear that a merge is needed I look for a large opening in the lighter traffic ahead of the merge, rather than waiting 'til the last moment...

Me too

I used to worry about anyone "unjustly" getting ahead of me until I turned 60 and started piloting 35,000 lbs. Now I just hope that some dummy doesn't hit me.

Dadeaux · 09-12-2010, 10:05 PM

How about the old sign; "Back off or I'll flush."

**NLOVNIT** · 09-12-2010, 10:08 PM

The zipper effect doesn't work when you're driving a combined 60ft long coach & toad. No one wants YOU in front of them.

Lori-

Lorna · 09-12-2010, 10:56 PM

I dislike the tiny compact car that climbs to close to my rear bumper that I cannot see them. Coming out west David was in front in the skoolie towing the Jeep, next was me in the old decrepit Class C and Stacey was bringing up the rear in her jeep, towing the food cart. Now Stacey clung to my back bumper pretty well.. staying far enough back to allow me to see her and to allow her enough stopping room (the food cart was loaded to the max with "stuff" since we were moving). Cars would squeeze in between us. Only thing we could come up with was they thought they were "drafting" and saving fuel? It was either that or they were just moronic jerks.

Wayne MD · 09-13-2010, 09:54 AM

None of you have solutions. You believe in the zipper effect? Not where I live on the I-5 system. If merge comes up, everyone rushes up to the last spot and its all over from then on. I use I-5 often in Portland, see lots of construction zones, and wreck zones, and they all do the same thing,. Everyone rushes up and traffic crawls to a slow crawl. Where is this zipper effect in operation in Northwest? Out of 7 days of traffic, I see it about every 7 days. Put up a merge sign and every one will ignore the sign until the end.

SRT · 09-13-2010, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

The zipper effect doesn't work when you're driving a combined 60ft long coach & toad. No one wants YOU in front of them.

Lori-

Yup, that's the truth!

SRT · 09-13-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne MD

None of you have solutions. You believe in the zipper effect? Not where I live on the I-5 system. If merge comes up, everyone rushes up to the last spot and its all over from then on. I use I-5 often in Portland, see lots of construction zones, and wreck zones, and they all do the same thing,. Everyone rushes up and traffic crawls to a slow crawl. Where is this zipper effect in operation in Northwest? Out of 7 days of traffic, I see it about every 7 days. Put up a merge sign and every one will ignore the sign until the end.

Having driven I-5 in Portland a few times at various times of the day, that's a true statement. Too bad they can't add lanes here and there to help the traffic flow.