Yep. Science says OP is wrong: https://www.acg.aaa.com/connect/blogs/4c/auto/zipper-merge-keeps-traffic-moving

ISTR there being some indication that as speeds increase, merging further away from the "final merge point" can help, but that's for designing roads with permanent lane reductions, not for temporary lane closures due to construction, accident, etc. But, I also couldn't find that science when I looked for it.

In Australia if your front two wheels are ahead of the other person's front two wheels, and you're indicating to move into their lane - they have to let you in. It's the law.

Takes a lot of the rage out.

The issue is this:

A) Your lane is ending. Drive to the end of the lane and then merge. Simplest reason: why the fuck would they build that much lane if you’re not supposed to drive on it? Alternate reason: you’re just stretching the traffic jam farther back where it could be blocking people from exiting or getting on.

B) Your lane is exit only. Get the fuck out of that lane, you’re blocking people legitimately trying to exit. You’re a cheating cheater and you’re clogging the exit lane.

C) Your lane is not an exit and you want to get into an exit lane. Get into the exit lane as soon as possible. Late merge is just going to clog up a lane and you’re a cheating cheater.

These situations are not the same but people think they are.

The problem is these people won't zipper merge most of the time. I always leave 2 car spaces, and the asshats want me to come to a complete stop before they do.

Like most things, a zipper merge works only if EVERYONE is abiding by it. Much like they tested and found out that a plane can have all passengers boarded and seated with luggage in about 15 minutes...if everyone followed the rules. But know, every damn over-entitled Karen, Jaxson, MacKhenzie and the rest of their ilk feel the rules don't apply to them.

Yeah...no, I've been waiting in line for 15 min and the guy that went on the other lane to skip the line can suck on my zipper merge