Drivers having to use a merge lane often feel anxious and nervous, especially if they're unsure of the proper procedure.
RCMP Cst. Lesley Smith offered advice on how to merge smoothly safely - the top priority is preparation.
"As you approach the highway in the merge lane, look over your shoulder to keep your eye on the oncoming traffic which has the right of way," she said.
"When you see a gap or space in the traffic, accelerate, move into that space and continue to go with flow of the traffic at the same rate speed."
When there is no gap in the traffic for you to move into, you have no choice but to wait until it is safe to merge. Remember, the oncoming traffic is not obliged to let you into the traffic stream.
"However, as a courtesy it is nice when motorists approaching a merge site change to the inside lane to allow a safe gap for merging traffic," said Smith.
Merging drivers who fail to wait for a safe opportunity to get into the stream can receive a fine of $121 and two driving points under Failing to Yield, Section 176 (2) .
A merging incident that almost caused a collision at the Highway 16 and Domano Boulevard intersection is an example of merging problems.
When Prince George resident Gail Riding passed that intersection, travelling east in the left hand lane Feb. 9 a truck was travelling beside her in the right hand lane.
When a vehicle tried to merge onto the highway from the Domano merge lane, the truck driver crossed into the left hand lane to better allow the merge, forcing Riding to the left as close as possible to the centre concrete meridian.
"The GMC truck tried to avoid someone to his right, without thought or looking, he just sped up and moved into the left lane and quickly had to swerve back into his own lane as I laid on the horn.
"I moved over a bit, being alert enough to anticipate his move, I had to slow down to stop a horrific collision.
"The GMC truck against my 2010 Accord. . . my car would have crumpled like a piece of paper." She said it was the first time she encountered road rage within herself.
"We drove down the highway and when we stopped at the light on Ferry I rolled down my window to yell at the man. He apologized; that means he felt responsible," said Riding.
Riding thinks the merge lane at the Domano intersection is a hazard because it's not lengthy enough for people to prepare to merge, and in the winter it's not kept clear of snow, making it more difficult for those trying to merge. (Yellowhead Road and Bridge is responsible to clear the snow.)
Riding said that site is a former yield intersection and thinks it should be returned to that.
"There isn't enough length to merge from a traffic light that is on a corner, with an eight-foot snow bank along it."
