Practice safe merging techniques to prevent crashes

Merging is a common technique on our roads that requires all drivers to stay calm and pay attention to avoid crashes.

The Wisconsin State Patrol’s February Law of the Month highlights the basics of safe merging for new and experienced drivers.

Merging includes changing lanes, joining traffic on another road, or entering a roadway from the curb or shoulder. State law requires drivers to stay in their lane and wait to merge until they are certain they have enough space to do so safely.

“Proper merging helps maintain a safe and smooth flow of traffic,” State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Drivers encounter many different situations on the road that require merging. Crashes can be avoided when motorists are cautious of others on the road, allow plenty of distance between vehicles and avoid driving in blind spots of other vehicles.”

Changing lanes

Practice safe lane changes to protect yourself and others from a crash. Before moving into another lane:

· Be sure the road is clear and there is a large enough gap between vehicles to allow you to safely change lanes.

· Use turn signals to give other drivers time to react to your planned move. State law requires drivers to use turn signals before changing lanes, turning or merging into traffic.

· Scan quickly for traffic to the side and behind your vehicle. Use your rear view and side mirrors and look over your shoulder to check your blind spots. Do not take your eyes off the road for more than an instant because traffic ahead of you may stop suddenly.

· Look carefully for other road users like motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians who are harder to see.

Entering a highway

When merging onto another road, like an interstate or highway, drivers should yield to traffic already moving on the roadway.

When using an entrance ramp, aim to enter the highway at the same speed that traffic is moving. High-speed roadways generally have an acceleration lane to give drivers time to build up speed before merging into traffic.

If you are waiting for space to enter a roadway, slow down on the ramp so you have some room to speed up before merging.

Zipper merge for lane closures

When traffic patterns change and lanes are closed for construction or emergencies, drivers are asked to use the zipper merge technique to reduce traffic congestion.

When you see a sign indicating a lane closure ahead, continue to drive in your lane up until the final merge point. When you reach this point, take alternating turns with other drivers to merge into the single lane of traffic. It is important to note, a zipper merge is not necessary when traffic is moving at highway speeds and there are no backups. Drivers can move over sooner if it is safe to do so.

The zipper merge is a safer way to reduce lanes. When a vehicle slows down to merge early in heavy traffic, it can slow traffic down too quickly, leading to unexpected crashes. The zipper merge allows everyone to move at the same rate, minimizing delays for all.

Merging into a roundabout

Roundabouts are a safe and efficient way to reduce traffic congestion, keep vehicles moving one way and eliminate conflict points at an intersection. There are approximately 600 roundabouts across Wisconsin.

When merging into a roundabout, slow down and yield to all lanes of traffic on your left and traffic already in the roundabout. Stay in your lane as you travel through the roundabout. Use your right turn signal as you carefully approach your exit.

Give large vehicles extra space

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so they require a greater distance to stop. Whenever you merge near a large truck, commercial motor vehicle or bus, allow plenty of distance so you don’t cut them off.

Review the Wisconsin Motorists Handbook for more safe driving recommendations and driving requirements.

View the February Law of the Month video and news release online: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/law/lom.aspx

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.