We’ve all been there. You’re driving down a highway before coming across signs informing you of an upcoming work zone and that one lane will be closing soon.
There are two schools of thought on what to do next — Either (a) you switch to the open lane as soon as you can ahead of the lane closure, or (b) you wait until the very end before sliding in last second.
The latter option is what is known as zipper merging, and it’s a sore subject for many drivers. While some view zipper merging as a form of “cutting in line,” others argue it’s a more effective way to keep traffic moving.
So which one is correct?
What is a zipper merge?
Zipper merging is a technique used in heavy-traffic work zones, which utilizes all of the available roadway to prevent long lines of cars backed up into one lane with plenty of room in the empty neighboring lane…