Comments on: Accelerate To Merge http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/ The Latest in Retail, Entertainment, and Development in Raleigh Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:18:47 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Evan Richardson http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-20086 Evan Richardson Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:04:32 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-20086 Amen Dana! Amen Dana!

]]> By: WillP http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19801 WillP Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:36:43 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19801 It's actually been a long time since someone came to a full stop on an onramp in front of me, but I remember when that was a semi-regular occurrence back in my hometown of Greenville, SC, in the 1970s after the I-385 spur going into town was built... Ah, good times! FYI, for anyone who doesn't know, the official NC traffic code says that it's the responsibility of merging traffic to adjust, and that through traffic is supposed to "maintain speed." The exception is when there are no gaps in the merge lane, in which case it's recommended that through traffic try to either move over a lane or slow enough to create a gap. Of course, I've moved over before only to watch the joker behind me accelerate to close the gap I've just created... And then there are the fun folks who tailgate you like they need to get to a hospital, finally zoom around you when the next lane opens up (usually 10-15 mph above the speed limit), then immediately (and I *do* mean immediately) get off at the next offramp. Yee-ha! It’s actually been a long time since someone came to a full stop on an onramp in front of me, but I remember when that was a semi-regular occurrence back in my hometown of Greenville, SC, in the 1970s after the I-385 spur going into town was built…

Ah, good times!

FYI, for anyone who doesn’t know, the official NC traffic code says that it’s the responsibility of merging traffic to adjust, and that through traffic is supposed to “maintain speed.” The exception is when there are no gaps in the merge lane, in which case it’s recommended that through traffic try to either move over a lane or slow enough to create a gap. Of course, I’ve moved over before only to watch the joker behind me accelerate to close the gap I’ve just created…

And then there are the fun folks who tailgate you like they need to get to a hospital, finally zoom around you when the next lane opens up (usually 10-15 mph above the speed limit), then immediately (and I *do* mean immediately) get off at the next offramp. Yee-ha!

]]> By: Marc http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19783 Marc Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:35:08 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19783 Amen. I've lived a few places and Raleigh, hands down, has the absolute worst drivers. It's a shame. Amen. I’ve lived a few places and Raleigh, hands down, has the absolute worst drivers. It’s a shame.

]]> By: Dana http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19753 Dana Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:31:22 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19753 Alright, y'all, I have a <em>Prius </em>and have never had any problem getting to cruising speed on an acceleration ramp! :) I use Raleigh's worst ramp daily, too (Jones Franklin onto Eastbound 440 - it's short and uphill). For most people this is a case of mind over matter. Some of the biggest problems occur as Westbound Western Blvd traffic tries to get onto Eastbound 440. Constantly people are going 35-40 when they should have found their hole before the curve, and hit cruising speed as the accelerate through the curve. Alright, y’all, I have a Prius and have never had any problem getting to cruising speed on an acceleration ramp! :) I use Raleigh’s worst ramp daily, too (Jones Franklin onto Eastbound 440 – it’s short and uphill).

For most people this is a case of mind over matter. Some of the biggest problems occur as Westbound Western Blvd traffic tries to get onto Eastbound 440. Constantly people are going 35-40 when they should have found their hole before the curve, and hit cruising speed as the accelerate through the curve.

]]> By: L http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19722 L Mon, 29 Jun 2009 23:02:51 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19722 Completely agree! However, it should also be mentioned that a number of acceleration lanes around here (1) aren't that long and (2) may also be an exit lane, which may also be factors for more folks driving like crazy people. I also get extremely irritated with the many people in the "acceleration" lanes who drive slowly and don't even bother to put their blinker on or pay attention, and just expect the other people will let them in when the lane ends. Geez, they could at least make an effort! People really are unbelievable! Completely agree! However, it should also be mentioned that a number of acceleration lanes around here (1) aren’t that long and (2) may also be an exit lane, which may also be factors for more folks driving like crazy people. I also get extremely irritated with the many people in the “acceleration” lanes who drive slowly and don’t even bother to put their blinker on or pay attention, and just expect the other people will let them in when the lane ends. Geez, they could at least make an effort! People really are unbelievable!

]]> By: Lew http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19705 Lew Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:35:42 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19705 I agree 100%! Equally irritating though is a vehicle on an Interstate driving side by side with someone in the slow lane thus not allowing cars to pass in the PASSING lane. I agree 100%! Equally irritating though is a vehicle on an Interstate driving side by side with someone in the slow lane thus not allowing cars to pass in the PASSING lane.

]]> By: steelcity36@hotmail.com http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19642 steelcity36@hotmail.com Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:16:45 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19642 I drive a really big SUV so when I accelerate off the ramp and begin to merge people just get out of my way. It's great and worth every extra dollar of gas! Can't do that in a Smart car! I drive a really big SUV so when I accelerate off the ramp and begin to merge people just get out of my way. It’s great and worth every extra dollar of gas! Can’t do that in a Smart car!

]]> By: dks http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19620 dks Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:15:04 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19620 unfortunately, i have a vehicle that doesn't work very well trying to merge into 70 mph traffic from a 25 to 35 mph ramp (4 cylinder jeep wrangler)...acceleration (sp?) is a big factor here...although i do my best to speed up, it is often pretty scary...many times i have to max out the on-ramp (esp. short ones like 440 outer to wade ave.) but i try to avoid braking at all costs...traffic here is still 1000x better than the baltimore or dc metro areas; it's just insane up there... unfortunately, i have a vehicle that doesn’t work very well trying to merge into 70 mph traffic from a 25 to 35 mph ramp (4 cylinder jeep wrangler)…acceleration (sp?) is a big factor here…although i do my best to speed up, it is often pretty scary…many times i have to max out the on-ramp (esp. short ones like 440 outer to wade ave.) but i try to avoid braking at all costs…traffic here is still 1000x better than the baltimore or dc metro areas; it’s just insane up there…

]]> By: chippa http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19582 chippa Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:28:53 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19582 If people in Raleigh began to drive correctly, the damage would be irrevocable. I suppose you people wants our fair citizens to start using blinkers?? Not plow through red lights?? Not drive 20 MPH slower in the fast lane than the folks in the slow lane?? I hold more faith in Bin Ladens capture than I do in decent Raleigh drivers. If people in Raleigh began to drive correctly, the damage would be irrevocable. I suppose you people wants our fair citizens to start using blinkers?? Not plow through red lights?? Not drive 20 MPH slower in the fast lane than the folks in the slow lane??

I hold more faith in Bin Ladens capture than I do in decent Raleigh drivers.

]]> By: VaNC http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19565 VaNC Sat, 27 Jun 2009 04:09:43 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19565 It wouldn't be so bad if people in the right lane, when possible, got over for you (As I was taught to do). No one gets over anymore, they are too busy talking on the phone or whatever, so you often get to the end of the acceleration lane and have no where to go. That is why I have found myself slowing down in acceleration lanes, cause I am scared I will by flying past the end of the acceleration lane. If people regularly got over, (again...if possible) like they use to, then I wouldn't have gotten into this mode where I worry about that. But it has happened to me so many times! It wouldn’t be so bad if people in the right lane, when possible, got over for you (As I was taught to do). No one gets over anymore, they are too busy talking on the phone or whatever, so you often get to the end of the acceleration lane and have no where to go. That is why I have found myself slowing down in acceleration lanes, cause I am scared I will by flying past the end of the acceleration lane. If people regularly got over, (again…if possible) like they use to, then I wouldn’t have gotten into this mode where I worry about that. But it has happened to me so many times!

]]> By: Katie http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19557 Katie Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:10:22 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19557 In full agreement. Unfortunately, my experience has been that the people that need this information are not reading gogoraleigh.com. Or perhaps at all. In full agreement. Unfortunately, my experience has been that the people that need this information are not reading gogoraleigh.com. Or perhaps at all.

]]> By: Linda http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19550 Linda Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:21:24 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19550 like a zipper, people, like a zipper! like a zipper, people, like a zipper!

]]> By: Suzanne http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19549 Suzanne Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:37:46 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19549 THANK YOU!!!! One of my biggest pet peeves is people STOPPING on the on-ramp in front of me. THANK YOU!!!! One of my biggest pet peeves is people STOPPING on the on-ramp in front of me.

]]> By: CGeo http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19541 CGeo Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:37:58 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19541 AMEN! The worst is merging in a cloverleaf. You are trying to enter the freeway by accelerating and find that someone is racing to get in front of you just so they can exit. Or the other way around, you're exiting and trying to give the entering vehicle the room to merge but they won't speed up! If it is too complicated, take the bus! AMEN!
The worst is merging in a cloverleaf. You are trying to enter the freeway by accelerating and find that someone is racing to get in front of you just so they can exit. Or the other way around, you’re exiting and trying to give the entering vehicle the room to merge but they won’t speed up! If it is too complicated, take the bus!

]]> By: TSnow27604 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19539 TSnow27604 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:53:21 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19539 That would be "brakes" not "breaks." I promise I passed English. That would be “brakes” not “breaks.” I promise I passed English.

]]> By: TSnow27604 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19538 TSnow27604 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:52:11 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19538 What's equally awful in my opinion is when people already in the right-hand lane think they are being nice by slamming on the breaks so someone can merge from an on-ramp. !? That's smart. "I'm in a line of cars doing 70 mph so I think I will hit the breaks." What’s equally awful in my opinion is when people already in the right-hand lane think they are being nice by slamming on the breaks so someone can merge from an on-ramp. !? That’s smart. “I’m in a line of cars doing 70 mph so I think I will hit the breaks.”

]]> By: CarnifeX http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19524 CarnifeX Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:26:03 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19524 YES!!! THANK YOU!!!!! I hate brake lights on the 'on-ramp.' YES!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

I hate brake lights on the ‘on-ramp.’

]]> By: Alan http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/comment-page-1/#comment-19512 Alan Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:00:52 +0000 http://www.gogoraleigh.com/2009/06/26/accelerate-to-merge/#comment-19512 I agree... I was behind one of these individuals merging on to 40, except she decided to not even go 20 under the speed limit, but decided the best speed to mix into 70 mph traffic was at 20. Some people really shouldn't be allowed on the roadways. I agree… I was behind one of these individuals merging on to 40, except she decided to not even go 20 under the speed limit, but decided the best speed to mix into 70 mph traffic was at 20. Some people really shouldn’t be allowed on the roadways.

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