Merge Lanes
Merge lanes and turn lanes should be used for acceleration or deceleration to the greatest extent possible. These lanes include on ramps, off ramps, center turn lanes, and right side turn lanes. The objective when using one of these lanes is to impede other drivers at a minimum.
On ramps and off ramps are not all made exactly alike: they can differ by state or roadway type (interstate versus limited access highway). Some off ramps employ a lane that runs parallel with traffic for several hundred feet before diverging from traffic (on ramps do the opposite, converging a different direction down to a lane running in the parallel path). When this type of lane exists, drivers must use it to either decelerate (off ramp) or accelerate to the speed of traffic on the main highway. When there is no parallel lane the ramp often veers off slowly, in the case of the off ramp, allowing a driver to make a smooth turn, and then decelerate. In the case of the on ramp things are more difficult but skilled drivers look for a space between cars then adjust the speed of their automobile such that their car enters that space with perfect timing and at the speed of traffic allowing for a seamless transition.
This is a very simple concept but many drivers make the mistake of decelerating before the off ramp or accelerating to the speed of traffic on the main highway after they merge into traffic. On a busy thoroughfare, these drivers are major roadblocks. Sometimes the traffic on the main highway ends up being forced to merge into other lanes. This can happen rather quickly, especially when drivers on the main highway do not expect someone to do this. In some instances, the driver on the main highway cannot merge because there is already a car in the lane next to them.
Some secondary roads have center turn lanes (for left hand turns) and right side turn lanes (for right hand turns). Center turn lanes come in at least two configurations: one type uses a continues lane for use by either direction of traffic while the other uses a separate lane for each direction – almost like a left hand off ramp. The center turn lane using the continuous strip of pavement is often the trickiest to use without impeding traffic. When different lanes are painted onto this lane it can help but when there are no lanes the driver wishing to make the left hand turn must be aware of the intent of drivers in the oncoming lane. It is best to watch for turn signals, drivers riding the center line, or making some other action that might denote their aim to enter the center turn lane.
Georgia highway 400 as it enters Dawson County is a perfect example of a road designed with center turn lanes like left hand off ramps. These turn lanes are very long, built to accommodate several cars or to allow for full deceleration. These turn lanes, when not loaded with other cars, may be entered at highway speeds. Drivers on GA 400, more often than not, decelerate well before they enter these turn lanes causing significant backups on this highly congested highway.
Right hand turn lanes are often the shortest of all merge lanes. If making a turn onto another highway a driver can often keep the majority of their vehicle velocity, thereby, reducing the need for much deceleration. On the other hand, if a driver must come to a stop or a near complete stop there is generally very little that can be done to keep from impeding other driver’s progress to at least some degree. When merging or turning it is important to also use turn signals. At least by using a turn signal you can make other drivers more aware of your objectives and they might even react accordingly.
Driving is a privilege not a right. Considering the dangers when driving and the incredible responsibility one takes on when getting behind the wheel it seems as though we should all be working to make ourselves better and more courteous drivers. The best drivers are the smoothest drivers and those that have the ability to interact with different types of traffic while making the least impact possible.
On ramps and off ramps are not all made exactly alike: they can differ by state or roadway type (interstate versus limited access highway). Some off ramps employ a lane that runs parallel with traffic for several hundred feet before diverging from traffic (on ramps do the opposite, converging a different direction down to a lane running in the parallel path). When this type of lane exists, drivers must use it to either decelerate (off ramp) or accelerate to the speed of traffic on the main highway. When there is no parallel lane the ramp often veers off slowly, in the case of the off ramp, allowing a driver to make a smooth turn, and then decelerate. In the case of the on ramp things are more difficult but skilled drivers look for a space between cars then adjust the speed of their automobile such that their car enters that space with perfect timing and at the speed of traffic allowing for a seamless transition.
This is a very simple concept but many drivers make the mistake of decelerating before the off ramp or accelerating to the speed of traffic on the main highway after they merge into traffic. On a busy thoroughfare, these drivers are major roadblocks. Sometimes the traffic on the main highway ends up being forced to merge into other lanes. This can happen rather quickly, especially when drivers on the main highway do not expect someone to do this. In some instances, the driver on the main highway cannot merge because there is already a car in the lane next to them.
Some secondary roads have center turn lanes (for left hand turns) and right side turn lanes (for right hand turns). Center turn lanes come in at least two configurations: one type uses a continues lane for use by either direction of traffic while the other uses a separate lane for each direction – almost like a left hand off ramp. The center turn lane using the continuous strip of pavement is often the trickiest to use without impeding traffic. When different lanes are painted onto this lane it can help but when there are no lanes the driver wishing to make the left hand turn must be aware of the intent of drivers in the oncoming lane. It is best to watch for turn signals, drivers riding the center line, or making some other action that might denote their aim to enter the center turn lane.
Georgia highway 400 as it enters Dawson County is a perfect example of a road designed with center turn lanes like left hand off ramps. These turn lanes are very long, built to accommodate several cars or to allow for full deceleration. These turn lanes, when not loaded with other cars, may be entered at highway speeds. Drivers on GA 400, more often than not, decelerate well before they enter these turn lanes causing significant backups on this highly congested highway.
Right hand turn lanes are often the shortest of all merge lanes. If making a turn onto another highway a driver can often keep the majority of their vehicle velocity, thereby, reducing the need for much deceleration. On the other hand, if a driver must come to a stop or a near complete stop there is generally very little that can be done to keep from impeding other driver’s progress to at least some degree. When merging or turning it is important to also use turn signals. At least by using a turn signal you can make other drivers more aware of your objectives and they might even react accordingly.
Driving is a privilege not a right. Considering the dangers when driving and the incredible responsibility one takes on when getting behind the wheel it seems as though we should all be working to make ourselves better and more courteous drivers. The best drivers are the smoothest drivers and those that have the ability to interact with different types of traffic while making the least impact possible.
posted by chilort at 10:02 AM
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