Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you in the acceleration lane, allowing for adjustments if necessary.

The left center turn lane is the lane in the middle of a two-way street that motorists should be using to make U-turns or left turns. This lane of traffic is not for passing or traveling. Unfortunately, far too many drivers fail to follow these traffic rules and go on to cause serious collisions resulting…

2 InchMiniTrafficCones

CVC§ 22106 states, “No person shall start a vehicle stopped, standing, or parked on a highway, nor shall any person back a vehicle on a highway, until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.” This law applies directly to merging, as you’re essentially starting your vehicle from a stopped position on the acceleration lane.

NoteAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improper merging contributes to yearly accidents. Data from a recent year shows that lane departure and merging accounted for 8.7% of all fatal crashes, a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of failing to merge correctly.

When traffic is bumper-to-bumper, the zipper merge is your secret weapon. This technique involves using both lanes on the on-ramp and taking turns merging at the merge point, like the teeth of a zipper.

For instance, if you’re deemed 20% at fault in an accident resulting in $20,000 in damages, you could still receive $18,000. Besides, you might need clarification about your level of responsibility. Therefore, investigation is needed before making conclusions about the fault.

Successfully merging onto a freeway or highway requires more than knowing how to maneuver your vehicle. It also involves paying close attention to the road signs, markers, and traffic flow around you.

Check your blind spot one final time before entering the freeway lane. Once you’ve successfully merged, adjust your speed to match the traffic flow and promptly turn off your turn signal.

California Vehicle Code (CVC) §22107 states that a driver merging onto a freeway must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway. This means adjusting your speed to match traffic flow and finding a safe entrance gap. Failure to do so can result in dangerous collisions and legal repercussions.

TipMerging is a collaborative effort. By following the signs, being attentive, and using proper technique, you can contribute to a safe and efficient merging process for yourself and other drivers on the road.

Since 1953, Streicher's has proudly served law enforcement and public safety professionals with the goal of delivering the most trusted duty gear, tactical products and unmatched service.

MiniTrafficConesnear me

The severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages play a role in the compensation you may receive. If you prove you followed safe merging practices and the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

This answer, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. Merging onto a busy freeway isn’t simply about matching speed; it’s a skill that involves legal awareness, spatial judgment, and split-second decision-making.

MiniTrafficConesfor cakes

In the unfortunate event of a car accident during a merge, demonstrating that you adhered to CVC §22107 and merged safely can significantly impact your personal injury claim. While California operates under a comparative negligence system, meaning fault can be shared between parties, proving you acted responsibly can reduce your liability and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

Blind intersections are any intersections that obstruct a driver’s view of cross traffic. This could be because of overgrown vegetation, a building, or another vehicle. Since blind intersections are incredibly dangerous, it is crucial to drive as safely as possible and check for traffic before proceeding. If your view is blocked, continue to edge forward…

Beyond safety, understanding the legal aspects of merging is crucial. In a personal injury lawsuit from a merging accident, the fault often lies with the driver who failed to merge correctly. You could be liable for below injuries and damages if you don’t follow proper merging procedures:

Most importantly, the speed and flow of traffic on the freeway should be assessed. This is crucial for determining the appropriate speed at which you should enter the acceleration lane. Aim to match the speed of the traffic flow and stay within it.

If the at-fault driver violated CVC §22107 by failing to yield the right-of-way while merging, this strengthens your claim. It paints their negligence and establishes a strong foundation for your case.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

MiniToy TrafficCones

Kevin received both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of California, Irvine. He is the managing partner of Text Kevin Accident Attorneys and is recognized as a standout in plaintiffs’ litigation for personal injury law by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected legal peer-review publisher. Kevin has written for several law magazines and is an award-winning car accident lawyer in California.

The acceleration lane is your runway to build up speed and prepare for merging. Accelerate smoothly and gradually, aiming to match the speed of the freeway traffic by the time you reach the end of the lane.

When merging with freeway traffic, you should try to merge at or near the speed of the traffic flow to ensure a safe transition into the freeway, minimizing disruptions and risk of accidents.

Kevin received both his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of California, Irvine. He is the managing partner of Text Kevin Accident Attorneys and is recognized as a standout in plaintiffs’ litigation for personal injury law by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected legal peer-review publisher. Kevin has written for several law magazines and is an award-winning car accident lawyer in California.

Let’s explore this crucial driving maneuver, focusing on California’s specific laws and the implications for personal injury claims. This principle is fundamental for a safe and efficient freeway merge, ensuring smooth integration into the traffic flow, minimizing disruptions, and reducing the risk of accidents.

High visibility solid blaze orange traffic barricade cones increase safety at accident scenes. Heavy-duty durable plastic traffic cones are available in multiple heights. Quantity pricing, alternative colors, and custom stenciling also available, contact [email protected] for more information.

Preparation is key before you even reach the on-ramp. Start by checking your mirrors and blind spots to ensure a clear view of the traffic around you. Signal your intention to merge well in advance, giving other drivers ample notice of your planned maneuver.

We gather all evidence, like traffic camera footage, dashcam recordings, witness statements, and forensic evidence, to build a compelling case and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and receive expert legal guidance on your next steps.

Pro tipZipper Merges, where two lanes merge into one, are designed to optimize traffic flow by having vehicles take turns entering the open lane. When approaching a lane closure, use both lanes fully until reaching the designated merge point, then seamlessly alternate with other drivers like a zipper.

Merging too slowly forces other drivers to brake abruptly or swerve, creating a chain reaction that can lead to accidents. Conversely, entering the freeway at an excessively high speed can be equally dangerous, as you may need more time to find a suitable gap or adjust to the traffic flow.

This method maximizes road space, reduces congestion, and maintains smoother traffic compared to early merging. Those waiting to merge until the last moment follow the correct procedure, so be courteous. For a visual demonstration, watch this brief CDOT video on merging.

Use your turn signal well in advance to give the truck driver plenty of notice. Position your vehicle so it’s visible in the mirrors so that the truck driver can see you. Trucks need more space to maneuver, especially when turning, so give them ample room to avoid accidents.

4 InchMiniTrafficCones

Physically turn to look out the rear window and check your surroundings, including blind spots. Accelerate slowly and avoid relying solely on mirrors or your horn for safety.

Normal shipping days are Monday - Friday (Saturday based on delivery location, not guaranteed). If expedited shipping chosen, in-stock items ship immediately. Backordered or out of stock items will be shipped best method, Standard Ground. Domestic shipping only. Streicher's does not ship to PO Boxes. See our Shipping Policy.

3 InchMiniTrafficCones

Merging onto the freeway can be a challenging ride. Sometimes, you’ll encounter challenging scenarios that require extra skill and awareness. Let’s explore some common merging challenges and how to navigate them safely:

Once you’ve reached the end of the acceleration lane and identified a suitable gap, it’s time to merge. Do so smoothly and assertively, maintaining your speed and avoiding sudden movements.

Even if you believe you were primarily responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages in California. Due to the state’s pure comparative negligence standard, you can sue other at-fault parties, though your final compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault as determined by the jury.

Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking, which can disrupt traffic flow and create hazardous situations. While accelerating, scan the freeway for a suitable gap in traffic. Look for a space that comfortably fits your vehicle without forcing other drivers to adjust their speed or position.

The zipper merge is proven to be more efficient than early merging, as it utilizes the total capacity of both lanes. Avoiding early merging and potential bottlenecks helps reduce overall traffic congestion.

Large trucks have significant blind spots, making it difficult for them to see smaller vehicles. When merging near a truck, take extra precautions. Don’t linger. Avoid staying in a truck’s blind spot for extended periods. Either accelerate to pass or fall back to a safe distance.

Rain, fog, snow, or other adverse weather conditions make merging even more challenging. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and unpredictable driver behavior increase the risk of accidents. Do this:

CVC §21709 prohibits unsafe lane changes, emphasizing the importance of yielding to vehicles already on the freeway. Cutting someone off is not only rude but also illegal. Further, CVC §22350 mandates that you drive at a “reasonable and prudent” speed for the prevailing conditions.

If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, our experienced car accident attorney is here to fight for your rights. We understand the intricacies of merging laws and can help establish the other driver’s fault in causing your injuries.

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form, you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), improper merging is a leading cause of freeway accidents. In 2022 alone, over 10,000 reported accidents involving merging vehicles on California freeways. These accidents often result in injuries, property damage, and, in some cases, fatalities.

Short on-ramps can be a real test of your merging abilities. With limited space to accelerate, it’s crucial to act decisively. Here’s what you can do:

NOTE: Because of UPS's shipping policy to HI and AK, Streicher's is not able to ship ammunition to these states. All ammunition must ship via ground shipping. Shipping costs are based on total dollar of the order. Standard ground shipping cost is $5.00 on order totals up to $99 then free ground shipping after that. Expedited shipping via air is available for a nominal fee, normal shipping restrictions apply. See our Return & Exchange Procedures.

This includes the police report, witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, medical records, and any documentation proving you followed proper merging procedures. This evidence can be used to support your claim and establish the other driver’s fault.