‘Late Mergers’ and the ‘Zipper Merge’ — How WNY Thinks They Should Work [VIDEO]

Around 7 this morning, there was one -- possibly two -- accidents on the inbound Skyway, creating massive delays with the right lane closed, while crews tried to clear the way.

Yesterday as I was driving home on the 190 North, heading up a slight incline, so I could see the right lane was closed due to a disabled vehicle with police lights flashing.  Naturally I moved to the left, not only due to Move-Over laws, but also because I realized that in about 200 yards, I would be sitting still, directly BEHIND the disabled vehicle, going NOWHERE.  In my opinion, better to get somewhere slowly than not get there at all, right?

Well, we asked for your input on "late mergers", those who zip past in the right lane, knowing full-well the lane is blocked, and then try to sneak in to the left, at the last possible moment.

Apparently there's a "thing" called the zipper merge, and in theory it makes sense, but it would require everyone to work together at the same time.  Which, sadly, isn't very realistic.

(Yes this is from Minnesota, but it's a good, simple visual as to what it's supposed to look like)

From our text line (716) 241-9696 :

Tracy / Kenmore: That's all well n good but at a new traffic pattern because of construction and they give you blocks to move over you shouldn't wait to you get to the very end to move over

 

Michelle / Williamsville: Look up the zipper merge. Many areas are not supposed to move over immediately but use both lanes until the one lane ends. But here in Buffalo, WE HATE THAT!!
Mix96: It just doesn't work here....just like the "roundabouts" are supposed to improve the flow of traffic. I have yet to see this EVER be the case.
Michelle / Williamsville: I agree. I've never actually seen it, but I've heard of it. It's like Bigfoot, lmao!

 

Bernadette / Hamburg: Thank you for telling us which lane to get over onto the skyway the problem is a lot of times the traffic report doesn't say which lane the accident is in although I'm on the skyway right now and nobody seems to care which when the accident is in because both lanes are just packed with cars.

 

Lucy / Buffalo: Wait! You expect the jerks that cut off 200 yards of traffic to say thanks when you let them in? Sooooo not gonna happen. They already proved they are terrible people. Also, my favorite is when all the other drivers band together and don't let the guy in. It's a small victory and you feel that camaraderie with the other drivers

 

Carey / Lockport: Late mergers are convinced they can get a few cars further ahead by delaying getting over. It's frustrating to those that know there's no real advantage to gaining a two car advantage. My other peev is the cushion i leave between of and the car in front of me is not a hole i left intentionally for you who late merges. When you fill it i need to establish my cushion again. :(

 

Monique / Derby: I let in a semi & 3 cars this morning on the skyway. The semi flashed his brake lights which in trucker language means thank you, but no one else even waved. It gets my goat!