Michigan Driving PSA: Dear Lane Blocker, Stop Playing Traffic Cop

Driving in Michigan is bad enough at times.

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We're constantly dodging potholes, driving through blizzards, and being delayed to our destinations by construction that will never end.

If that wasn't bad enough, there are a select few Michiganders who like to play 'Traffic Cop' and I'm calling these idiots out.

Michigan Driving PSA: Dear Lane Blocker, Stop Playing Traffic Cop

In the past month, I've had several incidents where I have encountered Michigan drivers that want to play 'Traffic Cops'

I'm not talking about the real men and women in law enforcement who enforce traffic laws and manage traffic.

I'm talking about some of the dumbest drivers on the road in Michigan.

These mouth-breathers always appear in a construction zone or somewhere where everyone needs to merge.

These 'Traffic Cops' get upset that people like me drive all the way to the end of the lane that's closing and then at the very end merge over into the open lane.

I've had some interactions with these 'Traffic Cops' but it mainly involved both of us yelling words I can't type in this article.

A few weeks ago I was driving to Pine Knob to see Eric Church.

While heading north on the highway I could see there was a lane closure ahead, so I stayed in my lane and planned on merging at the end like I always do.

A lady in her car had other plans and decided to play 'Traffic Cop' and pulled out in front of me and came to a complete stop on the highway.

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Thankfully, I slammed on my breaks in time to avoid rear-ending her.

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I then gently held my horn down for 30 seconds but that didn't seem to do anything, so eventually I said screw it and pulled up on her left and went around.

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I hope she somehow reads this article and can change her 'Traffic Cop' ways because that is not how you properly merge.

How To Properly Merge In Michigan

When merging in Michigan while driving, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure safety and maintain traffic flow. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

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Yield to Existing Traffic: Michigan law requires merging drivers to yield the right-of-way to existing highway traffic.

When approaching a roadway from a merging highway or street, and there are appropriate merge signs present, the merging driver must yield to the traffic already on the road.

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Use Both Lanes: In work zones where the zipper merge is preferred, signage will often indicate "use both lanes" or "take turns at merge point".

The zipper merge is a method where drivers use both lanes until the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane. This helps to maximize the capacity of the roadway and reduce congestion.

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Late Merging: Michigan law allows for late mergers ahead of a lane closure

Late merging refers to drivers using both lanes until reaching the merge point and then taking turns merging into the open lane

This method can help maintain a steady flow of traffic and prevent unnecessary backups.

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Avoid Blocking Lanes: It is against the law to block a lane of traffic before the merge

Blocking a lane can disrupt the flow of traffic and lead to unsafe conditions.

It is important to follow the zipper merge approach and take turns merging into the open lane.