Video: The Zipper Merge

And with record numbers of Americans hitting the highways this year, your safety and sanity will be markedly improved by learning to play nice with other drivers. Perhaps nowhere is the need for motorists to come together better illustrated than the zipper merge. This controversial congestion control maneuver calls for all drivers and slower moving traffic ahead of a lane closure to remain in the respective lanes up until the merge point, then take turns moving through the continuing lane, one by one in an orderly fashion, coming together like the teeth of a zipper. Loved by some and loathed by others, the controversial zipper merge plays right into each individual driver's sense of fairness, with many seeing drivers who continue in the ending lane right up until the last moment as entitled jerks who should've gotten over two miles back. Researchers note that everyone moving over into the continuing lane in advance simply doubles the length of that single line of cars, while potentially miles of perfectly good asphalt go unused, not to mention the brake-tapping induced slowdown caused by early mergers. In the growing number of states where the zipper is encouraged, signage instructing drivers to stay in their lane up to the merge point help take the pressure off those in the closing lane, maybe sparing them some side eye, obscene gestures, or even other drivers playing lane cop by straddling the line to block other cars from passing. But the real keys to keeping traffic flowing through a pinch point are awareness and collaboration with your fellow traveler. Keep in mind that a little cooperation goes a long way, faster, and getting through the zipper merge will be a snap. (upbeat music)