Why Don't Many People Here Stop at Dark Signals? (metro, summer)

[rsxdrivr]

I agree with the ignorance around here when it comes down to treating a broken traffic light as a 4 way stop sign!

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by robbobobbo

For people who do try to take advantage of a lane that ends and get ahead of everyone else, only to dart in at the last foot, I used to get irritated and not want them to be rewarded for that behavior. But I've changed to not caring. In the big scheme of things, it really doesn't make a difference.

I don't think that is taking advantage, especially when traffic is slow. I've always thought the proper method when a lane ends is to "zipper" towards the end of the merge.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

I don't think that is taking advantage, especially when traffic is slow. I've always thought the proper method when a lane ends is to "zipper" towards the end of the merge.

You're correct. However, around these parts people make up their own rules..

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

I don't think that is taking advantage, especially when traffic is slow. I've always thought the proper method when a lane ends is to "zipper" towards the end of the merge.

Studies have shown that this zipper method does allow for traffic to move quicker. Or the last study I saw a few years ago released this info.

[Jlyles]

Oh, that's totally where my mind went, thanks!

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

Many don't even stop for red lights and you think they'll stop for a signal that's out? LOL

[Jlyles]

Agreed. I wish that the majority of the drivers around here didn't interpret "yield" as "wait for your darn turn, which is never" and actually treat a merge as a zipper. I ease off if someone's merging fast, and speed up if they're merging slow because I don't want to compete. Driver's Ed probably doesn't even come close to teaching young folks how to maneuver in the area.

Originally Posted by tgbwc

I don't think that is taking advantage, especially when traffic is slow. I've always thought the proper method when a lane ends is to "zipper" towards the end of the merge.

[ShadowBat]

Dumb driving is becoming a systemic problem nation wide in my opinion. I've lamented the idiot drivers in Charlottesville for years and on Tuesday evening I was going to Ikea at Potomac Mills and tried to merge off of 95 onto the exit that takes you there. Stupid me. There was a guy who was getting onto 95 and was well behind me as I tried to get over. To my surprise he had sped up to prevent me from getting in front of him. If I slowed and let him in front of me I would practically have had to stop. Not doing that on the highway. Or I was faced with missing the exit all together. So I had to force the issue and assume my rightful place in the flow of traffic and cut the JO off. He didn't even blow the horn as if he knew he was being a jerk. I just don't get it how people have no concept of merging or using common sense as with driving through intersections where the lights are out.

[ajzjmsmom]

Originally Posted by ShadowBat

Dumb driving is becoming a systemic problem nation wide in my opinion. I've lamented the idiot drivers in Charlottesville for years and on Tuesday evening I was going to Ikea at Potomac Mills and tried to merge off of 95 onto the exit that takes you there. Stupid me. There was a guy who was getting onto 95 and was well behind me as I tried to get over. To my surprise he had sped up to prevent me from getting in front of him. If I slowed and let him in front of me I would practically have had to stop. Not doing that on the highway. Or I was faced with missing the exit all together. So I had to force the issue and assume my rightful place in the flow of traffic and cut the JO off. He didn't even blow the horn as if he knew he was being a jerk. I just don't get it how people have no concept of merging or using common sense as with driving through intersections where the lights are out.

This is the selfish "me first" attitude that is becoming so prevelant in the country these days. Everyone thinks they need to get their first, wherever there may be.

[newgatedenizen]

In my experience, many times the signal to other drivers that I am about to change lanes merely acts a cue to the other drivers in that lane to close up rapidly and tightly behind the cars in front of them to make sure I don't get to move over.

[CAVA1990]

You're wandering from the topic. If you want to talk about merging, start a merging thread. This one's about stopping at intersections when the signals are out.