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Getting stuck in traffic can put a damper on your day. However, what happens when you see a car zoom past you on the other lane in a process that’s known as zipper merging? Most people I know would get upset, thinking that other drivers don’t have the right to do so when everyone else is patiently waiting in traffic for it to break up such as in the case of a bottleneck up ahead. However, what most people don’t understand is that zipper merging (also known as late merging) is completely legal and acceptable. That being said, there are risks to this practice which we’ll take a look at shortly.

Risks of Zipper Merging

Zipper merging is a common practice in construction zones. Most of the time, there’s an open lane which might make sense to use for the other drivers that don’t want to put up with the waiting, as long as they rejoin traffic at the lane closure. This type of behavior, however, doesn’t come without risks.

1. Road Rage

We’re not all built the same. While we might grudgingly hold on to resentment as we observe another motorist do the zipper merge, others might decide to act on their resentment and explode in anger and road rage. These motorists may, on the spur of the moment, get out of the main traffic lane and chase down the other driver, leading to a physical altercation, shouting match, or worse, an accident.

2. Safety

Zipper merging might make sense up to a certain point, as long as everyone follows road rules. There are nevertheless going to be drivers who might take this opportunity to speed up and drive in a reckless manner in an effort to get to the lane closure in a timely manner. In addition, other drivers may be caught off guard with this kind of behavior and not be able to react fast, increasing the likelihood for an accident to occur.

3. Increased Congestion

Zipper merging works if only a few drivers do it. This isn’t always the case, and may cause other drivers to get on the opposite lane in an attempt to beat traffic. This usually ends up in a bigger traffic jam than anticipated when it’s discovered that the lane closure can only take on so many cars at a given time.

Northwest Indiana Car Accident Help

Zipper merging is something that must be done with good judgment and finesse. The risks, at the end of the day, outweigh the benefits. If you were injured due to another driver’s decision to zipper merge in Northwest Indiana, you may be able to sue for compensation. Please contact us today at 877-561-3004 for your free consultation.