Merging: A Daily Task

During my hour commute each way to and from work, I travel about 15 different roads and Interstates, including I-45, I-10, 610, Hwy 59, Allen Parkway and the Hardy Toll Road.  At least once and sometimes 3 or 4 times a day I encounter someone who does not merge properly.  I have been lucky enough to avoid accidents at these precarious times.  However, it seems to me that it’s only a matter of time before someone hits me.   

Merging is one of the most dangerous of all driving maneuvers.  Whenever you enter traffic, be sure you have enough room to enter safely. You must remember to share space with traffic already on the road. And you must understand how much space you need to merge.

So please, mister in the silver Carolla, if you don’t mind, when you take the ramp to I-45 North just before I-10, you have your own lane to be in.  Follow the cars in front of you.  DO NOT make your own lane in the middle and try to squeeze me out.  You see, the people driving in the far right lane, before your lane enters (like me), don’t have anywhere to go when you cut over too early.  Then, when I honk at you because you obviously did not see me, DO NOT slam on your brakes as to make some point that you can do whatever you want on the roadways.   Just know, we won’t judge you for showing mature driving skills!

For everyone else, please remember driver safety and use caution when merging.  DefensiveDriving.com teaches valuable driving skills that if practiced will make the roads a much safer place.  Our online driver safety course can be used for ticket dismissal and insurance reduction.  Log in today to learn more!