Merging on surface streets without waiting (Dallas, Plano: neighborhood, living, legally)

[lonestar12]

Having seen too many cars in the Dallas/Plano/Frisco area do this, thought I'd check with the experts, if I'm being wrong in judging people's driving habits.

Note I'm not talking about merging on the freeway, but when coming out of say a strip mall and merging on a surface street, or coming out from a community and merging on a surface street, I've seen drivers just merge in the closest lane without ay consideration for other cars coming at say 35-40 mph in the other lane. Sometimes so much so that the other car is right next to them at the time that they are merging, it's as if the other car does not exist.

Do these creatures think that since no one is driving in the particular lane in which they are merging, it would be fine? Would a safe and considerate driver do this?

It gets on to my nerves every time, despite me living here since past 2+ years.

Comments welcome!

[smuboy86]

Huh? It's is perfectly fine to turn into a traffic lane that doesn't have traffic in it. That's how traffic works. It is safe to do so and consideration has nothing to do with it.

[jennifw]

It is fine to merge into the nearest lane as long as there are no cars in it and you have adequate time to get into the lane before the next car comes. I try to take into consideration if there is a car in the middle lane or left lane (not the lane I am pulling into) but it is not a requirement as long as they are not in your lane and you don't turn too wide.

[FalconheadWest]

Why do you have a problem with someone pulling out into an empty lane next to you? Do you feel you're unable to stay in your lane and you're going to hit them? If so, that's your problem, not theirs as they are pulling into a safe, empty lane. You should focus more about staying between your lines than a car pulling out into the street as they are legally allowed to do.

[metroxian]

'Never let a good traffic lane go to waste'

[WorldKlas]

Each driver on a mult-lane street needs to understand he has no rights to any space than the one he is occupying. Unless a vehicle is clearly going to veer into you, keep your nose clean and continue on! Why would there be 2 or 3 lanes if not to be used?

[VegasMan_72]

Originally Posted by lonestar12

Having seen too many cars in the Dallas/Plano/Frisco area do this, thought I'd check with the experts, if I'm being wrong in judging people's driving habits.

Note I'm not talking about merging on the freeway, but when coming out of say a strip mall and merging on a surface street, or coming out from a community and merging on a surface street, I've seen drivers just merge in the closest lane without ay consideration for other cars coming at say 35-40 mph in the other lane. Sometimes so much so that the other car is right next to them at the time that they are merging, it's as if the other car does not exist.

Do these creatures think that since no one is driving in the particular lane in which they are merging, it would be fine? Would a safe and considerate driver do this?

It gets on to my nerves every time, despite me living here since past 2+ years.

Comments welcome!

I honestly don't understand what the problem is.

[globe9]

As everyone has said, it's not illegal or wrong or even inconsiderate to turn into an empty lane when exiting a neighborhood, strip mall etc. and I'm completely confused at why you would think it's a problem.
I am really beginning to think drivers here should be required to take a test, written and driving, every time they need to renew a license. Sure it would be inconvenient for those of us who know how to drive, but maybe it would weed out some of these people who have no clue behind the wheel.

[tyanger]

I think it also depends on how heavy traffic is at that time. If there is only one car on the road, I usualy wait until the car passes before entering the road. If there is one car in the middle lane for +/- 150 yards, it is kind of a douche move to turn just when that car is about to pass you. Either turn before them or after them. If it is rush hour traffic, and all three lanes are pretty much constantly full, I will enter at the first opportunity in a smooth manner at a constant speed. As long as no one makes an erratic move there will not be a problem.

[BigDGeek]

Originally Posted by lonestar12

Having seen too many cars in the Dallas/Plano/Frisco area do this, thought I'd check with the experts, if I'm being wrong in judging people's driving habits.

Note I'm not talking about merging on the freeway, but when coming out of say a strip mall and merging on a surface street, or coming out from a community and merging on a surface street, I've seen drivers just merge in the closest lane without ay consideration for other cars coming at say 35-40 mph in the other lane. Sometimes so much so that the other car is right next to them at the time that they are merging, it's as if the other car does not exist.

Do these creatures think that since no one is driving in the particular lane in which they are merging, it would be fine? Would a safe and considerate driver do this?

It gets on to my nerves every time, despite me living here since past 2+ years.

Comments welcome!

I'd find something else to be annoyed at.