by James Dreamer

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: January 18, 2012

Etiquette is a word defining procedures to be voluntarily followed in a given set of circumstances so as to display a regard for others. Sometimes however, driving along in a sea of multi-ton vehicles can seem so impersonal that good manners get overlooked. We must fight this tendency, especially when merging, as two or more vehicles may be vying for the same piece of real estate, possibly resulting in a serious collision.

Any competent driver wants traffic to move along quickly and efficiently. Whether traveling through a busy city or moving along an interstate at speed, we all want to get to our destination safely, promptly, and without incident. Most of the time, laws clearly govern who has the right of way and who must wait their turn. Proper etiquette dictates that we as drivers learn these laws and abide by them.

What is the law with regards to merging? Unless signs or lights dictate otherwise, the driver changing lanes is obligated to avoid traffic already in the lane he or she is moving into. This means the merger must slow down if necessary and wait for an open space to safely blend into traffic. Failure to do this is not only rude, but illegal as well.

As stated above, etiquette refers to voluntarily regarding others. What does this mean to the driver already in the lane? It means he or she should try to make things simpler for the merger, even if not required under the law. In bumper to bumper traffic moving along at seventy miles per hour this may not always be easy or indeed possible. However, good manners dictate we try.

If at all feasible, try to adjust your speed and open up a clear area for the merging vehicle. Many times, just adding or subtracting a mile or two per hour is enough. If the speed differential is too great and you have room, try to merge into a lane further away to open up space. If there is traffic all around you and you cannot adjust your speed or merge out of the way, hold your course. The person merging will have to find an open space somewhere behind you. But be careful, some people will not display good manners or even know or obey the law. Others may make an honest mistake (as we all do at times) and not see you, especially if you are in their blind spot.

In summary then, if proper etiquette is observed by both the merger and mergee (Is that a word?), everyone wins and all parties can arrive at their destinations without incident, on time, and happy.

Lastly, I would like to share the advice I received from my father who drove over a million miles in his lifetime without a single chargeable accident. “Be ready for anything, and no matter what happens, avoid a collision at all costs even if you have the right of way. Just being right is not worth the hassle of filling out insurance forms, wrecked vehicles, or worse yet, bodily injuries.” Drive defensively and avoid contact with other vehicles and you’ll be a much happier motorist in the long run.

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