I try to merge as soon as I see a problem. And I always let one or two cars in ahead of me. I'm a very timid person and there have been times when I got to the merge point and no one would let me in. But obviously I eventually had a Good Samaritan feel sorry and let me go.

Like Jannie, I merge as soon as I realize there's congestion, for whatever reason - I am also a cautious driver and a courteous driver - always let others in ahead of me.

I am constantly miffed at drivers who see that I'm trying to get onto the highway via a right turn, and don't move over to the other lane so I can turn!

Like you, I plan ahead, and try to get into the lane I need, BEFORE things get too busy--whether it's because of construction, or my plans to turn ahead. I drive an FJ--it's big, and has some visibility issues. I don't like having to change lanes when there are a lot of other vehicles around, if I don't have to. I'm usually pretty considerate about letting others merge in, unless they were screaming up the shoulder to get ahead of everyone else.

There's no place I have to be that I need to kill myself to get there, so I do the same as Dotmom. I try to be considerate and courteous.

I was taught to drive back in the stone-age I admit. My Dad said you were suppose to drive at least two blocks ahead of where ya were, and I've always done that. I hafta admit tho that once I'm on the hwy I drive my little sportscar as if I'm in a video game. LOL I drive safe, and nice to others, but I still wanna win the game. LOL

Azzalea, I'm right behind you!

I follow the zipper merge -- there's no reason to wait until the last minute if you don't have to, because that's less safe -- and maybe it comes with age, but I would rather be a courteous driver than have my (new) car hit!
But when other drivers decide to take advantage of my kindness, my horn gets a workout.
In the D.C. area, you'd be sitting still on that highway ramp for an hour if you're too kind!

Actually waiting until the end is the correct way. It allows the maximum number of vehicles to continue to safely flow in the available lanes. At the end each vehicle should yield to one car that is merging. Light controlled freeway entrances work on the same principle.

Changing lanes early can lead to dangerous mismatched speed levels leading to more accidents.

I learned to drive in the 50's in Los Angeles. My Dad paid a professional person and he took me on every freeway avaiable and I can drive on any type of road. Minot is the worst place to drive because we have so many seniors, base people, new ones due to the oil fields and construction. It is a real challenge!
I would have loved to be a race driver, in fact I did some street racing where we use to live in So CA. I too am pretty polite when road merge--UNLESS, some idiot tries to zip around and then I have been know to put a couple of people in the ditch.

We use the zipper merge here in Calgary quite often. It helps the flow of traffic. It's the "do unto others" trick. You would hope someone would let you in, so you let others in. I've even moved into the left lane so that cars merging into the right lane can get in smoother. It's just common courtesy.

BUT: if there is a construction zone and signs are posted everywhere that says, (for example) RIGHT LANE CLOSED AHEAD, I move into the left lane as soon as possible. I do not zip all the way up the right empty lane and try to squeeze into the front of the lane. And I don't let these bozo's in.

Sigh. The "zipper merge" was designed to have people merge at the end. One car in front of another taking turns. That is why the DOT in many areas is putting up signs asking people use both lanes until the merging point. Why is this so hard for some to understand?

Here. I found this. Scroll to the picture at the bottom. it will show the proper way and why.

Early merging can not have cars taking exact turn. If an actual zipper skips a tooth it breaks. People merging early and thinking they are zipper merging cause abrupt braking which can in often does lead to accidents.

Alternating cars into the single lane at the last point is what makes it a "zipper".

Here is a link that might be useful: Smart Merge

To me, zipper merging is when a vehicle is merging from one major road to another with the merge lane.

Changing lanes in a construction zone, is changing lanes in a construction zone..... :-)

The zipper merge makes total sense to me but I'm not sure how well it's working. I've tried it myself and some people are just knuckleheads and won't let you in. It really irrates me when they won't let trucks in.

In Florida (and Georgia) where we travel most on the interstate, I don't think anyone ever heard of the zipper merge. There are signs at least 2 or 3 miles before the lane ends that are telling you to get over. What's so hard to understand about that? More often or not, I won't let someone in because that may be kind to them, but it sure isn't kind to the line of cars behind me. Everybody merge and go the one by one. I've seen cars through the rear mirror that are about 10 cars back and they'll pull out of line and speed forward just so some "kind" driver will let them in sooner. Because, you know, they are WAY more important than we are. If the DOT wants to use the zipper merge, they should post that that's what you should do.

My father taught me to always be kind to truck drivers. They are working, not just driving. So I always let trucks in whenever they want to change lanes. I rarely pass trucks unless they wave me ahead.

Jannie, that's a nice kindness. I see people all the time go around semis and then cut back in in front of them with a red light ahead. Don't they know those big rigs can't stop on a dime???

Oh, I have been known to merge left in turn, then leave my car straddling lanes a bit to block that 'special' person I can see in my right mirror who is driving half on the shoulder, wanting to get in two seconds before his turn.

Oh, I have been known to merge left in turn, then leave my car straddling lanes a bit to block that 'special' person

Well hope you don't get ticketed for obstructing traffic. It could happen. Illinois is putting up signs also trying to teach people the proper way. See link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Merge Signs to hint hint hint.....