Drivers Education - The Devil Merge!

Posted: Apr 21, 2012 at 9:33 AM [Apr 21, 2012]

I am not an instructor. I am a driver. If I was a driver's edcuation instructor (or even a dad with a teen driver) I would put serious emphasis on teaching how to merge onto an interstate  highway. I did not choose this topic as a pet peeve. It has been mostly forced upon me by bad experiences at the hands of mostly adult drivers causing near miss situations. Two recent examples in two days occured on US 23. As the driver of a lumbering motorhome I realize I am more prone to these experiences as I am not agile with lane changes, acceleration or deceleration. I gladly take on an extra measure of responsibility to ease another driver's merge onto the highway. Two facts follow:  #1. I have the right of way. Do not expect me to yield.  This is clearly stated in the Michigan Secretary of State publication, "What Every Driver Must Know". #2. The acceleration lane is there for you to match the speed of traffic. This is your job as a merging driver. Please use your accelerator. This is not the time to be timid or save gasoline. Happy trails to you until we meet again!