“In speaking with Pique, Paugh and Rutherford both described a phenomenon they incessantly observe: drivers speeding up before merges but shaving off mere minutes by the time they arrive at their destination” (Pique, Sept. 20, “Safety Dance”).
That observation confirmed the uncertainty I’m so often aware of on Highway 99.
The merges are not of predictable length, and the behaviour of drivers even less predictable.
I’ve tried to eliminate that uncertainty. (With my 250hp, just because I’m in the right lane doesn’t mean I’m slow.) I take a little initiative.
For instance, when I’m in the right lane, as soon as I reach the 200-metre merge sign I put out my signal, and move to the left lane. Usually cars approaching in the passing lane understand. We merge peacefully.
When I’m in the passing lane, at the 200m merge sign I use a little restraint, and let cars in the right lane (who I imagine must be relieved), merge. It’s a take-and-give.
Not long ago, while I was in the right lane, a car was approaching from a distance, quite fast. At the merge sign I put out my signal, ready to move, but the car insisted on getting past and whizzed by.
Ahead, a black pick-up noticed the apparent struggle and switched to the left lane to block the aggressive car.
Teamwork! Thank you to the driver.
