ROADSIDE CHAT – SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN, LET HIM MERGE
In a few days, Santa Claus is coming to town. Traffic could be heavy heading down from the North Pole on Christmas Eve. So, be ready to make room for his sleigh because ‘he knows if you’ve been merging…he knows who’s in your lane…he knows if you’ve been sig-nal-ing, so be good for goodness sake!’
Merging lanes can be one of the most stressful parts of driving, especially during peak traffic times on major interchanges. With a little courtesy and preparation, everyone can merge more smoothly and safely. Driving should be about cooperation and negotiation, not competition. So, rather than bullying your way into a lane or blocking someone’s path, maintain your focus and emotions with these tips:
- Plan ahead: Last-second merging is dangerous. Merging early gives you time to adjust your speed and find a safe gap.
- Use your turn signal: Signal to let other drivers know your intention. It doesn’t guarantee space, but it shows courtesy and allows others to adjust their speed.
- Match your speed to the traffic: Sudden braking or acceleration can disrupt traffic flow. Match the speed of the lane you’re entering/exiting to ensure a smooth transition.
- Check your mirrors & blind spots: Before making your move, check your mirrors and do quick checks over your shoulder to ensure the lane is clear.
- Use the “zipper merge”: Identify an opening and take turns merging, like a zipper coming together.
For more tips, watch this demonstration.
In 2024 in Iowa, 335 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of eight since last Friday. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf