No one likes driving in backed-up traffic when two lanes merge into one. That's why some genius came up with the "zipper merge" but I've seen many drivers who still don't get how it works. So here's a refresher course on the zipper merge.

How Does a Zipper Merge Work?

Let's start with the fact that if you drive in Maine, it's not called a zipper merge. It's called an alternate merge. It's the exact same thing, but Maine always has to be different. That's why we have a Bureau of Motor Vehicles and not a Department of Motor Vehicles. Anyway, back to the topic at hand.

A zipper or alternate merge is where cars take turns merging, as seen in the video above. Where there are two long lines of cars, drivers use both lanes of traffic until they reach the merge area then alternate into the open lane in a "zipper" pattern.

 

READ MORE: Bangor, Maine, Police Department Humorously Reminds Drivers How Traffic Lights Work

 

People Still Don't Get It

I drive through two alternate merges in Portland every day and almost every time there is a driver who breaks the flow of traffic by not zipper merging. It's not a race dude. You're making traffic worse by being a bully.

How Does The Zipper Merge Improve Traffic Flow?

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The zipper merge is a late merge and that's what screws everyone up. It sounds dangerous but it isn't if everyone uses both lanes as long as possible and takes their turn to merge. Research shows that it can reduce traffic backups, improve safety, and decrease road rage, but that's only if everyone plays along.

So if you want to get there faster, block others out of the zipper merge. Wait your turn, just like you had to when you were a kid and wanted to play on the playground swing right now.

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