question for leo's about merging into traffic

[N-Smooth]

is there a code or traffic law that outlines the procedure? i'm arguing with a co-worker about the correct way to merge when a lane is closing (like on bangerter and 3500 s), not too early but near the end of the lane.
i've looked through stuff on the state site and can't find it.
thanks
nate

 

[92XJeeper]

Utah state code doesn't really get specific about it.

If there's a traffic sign that indicates the lane is ending, it's the drivers' responsibility to move/merge over when it's safe to do so and the road markings are appropriate (e.g., no solid line). If there's a gore area, you cannot drive through it. However, if the road markings are such that it's permissible to move over, and it's safe to do so, then that's the appropriate time. Not that it's illegal, but waiting until the last minute is neither safe nor smart. Plus, it pisses people off.

Code that comes closest to what you're asking is this:

41-6a-903. Yield right-of-way -- Vehicle turning left -- Entering or crossing highway other than from another roadway -- Merging lanes.

The operator of a vehicle:
(3) traveling in a lane that is about to merge into a continuing lane, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the continuing lane and which are so close as to be an immediate hazard.

It really comes down to common sense. Wait, we're in Utah. Disregard that last statement.

 

[kasprzak]

This is the reason our highways backup. No one merges correctly. In california you have a zipper effect and one after another. The idiots who wait until the last second and speed up to pass everyone are the reason traffic comes to a standstill.

 

[yellowbronco]

I'm a Cancer, not a Leo. Does that mean my opinion doesn't count?

 

[Meat_]

I'm a Cancer, not a Leo. Does that mean my opinion doesn't count?

Yes.

 

[Caleb]

This is the reason our highways backup. No one merges correctly. In california you have a zipper effect and one after another. The idiots who wait until the last second and speed up to pass everyone are the reason traffic comes to a standstill.

I've said this forever, there is a reason they put the signs a mile or more back from when the lane ends...and it's not so you can zip to the end to try and get in front of everyone.

 

[yellowbronco]

Yes.

Ok, Mr. Sagittarius...you can't post in this thread either!

 

[offroaddave]

I'm a leo, (not the law enforcment type) and i'm certian that to merge into traffic you must be 1, Eating - 2, drinking - 3, eating & drinkng - 4,putting on make up - 5, (and my personal favorite) talking on the god dang phone.

 

[Tacoma]

I can merge at speed while on the phone. But I came from somewhere else, where at least Upstaters can drive properly. It's too damn cold to dick around on the roads like that, there.