America’s Merging Problem - Stop These Dangerous Highway Habits (POV)

[@TedwardDrives]

This should be taught in Driver's education but most people spend almost no time on the highway system in their driving classes. It's no wonder we see panic stops during onramp merges regularly. But with some simple explanations you can be a safer and more confident driver without scaring passengers or causing an accident.

[@MukisaSS]

In my state, I got roughly 3 hours of highway time at my driving school but even before then, My dad would have me drive to places that required the interstate and I would go on different interchanges to understand how to safely merge into traffic.

[@IJones]

Spent zero time on the highway in driver's ed a little over a year and a half ago.

[@baseballer21and0]

Next video: How to stay in the right lane unless you are passing

[@MukisaSS]

@@baseballer21and0 Or if you have an exit on the left or if there is an emergency vehicle.

[@legendarykaiten8183]

In canada, at least in Alberta, we only get community and 60-80 Kmph roads to learn on. You only get to learn on the highway if the instructor REALLY wanted you to. It's just not mandatory here haha. Maybe that's why so many people suck at highways here 🤔

[@jayee88]

>the purpose of an on ramp is to allow us to match the speed of traffic >the less differential in speed we have with the traffic, the safer we'll be New York: Let me place a stop sign at the end of this on ramp.

[@TedwardDrives]

Merit parkway horrors

[@vvarioPL]

Wtf, did the NY authorities totally lost their minds?

[@jayee88]

​@@vvarioPL There are short entrance ramps all over New York that don't allow much distance to get up to speed, so many times you have to stop and wait for traffic to clear before proceeding. The problem is if you do have sufficient speed to merge in, you're still supposed to stop. But once you stop in heavy traffic, you can be waiting for a while before a safe gap to enter opens up, especially if you're in a slower car. Short ramps are a bad design to begin with but I guess someone decided it's better to replace the yield signs with stop signs so an overzealous honda fit does not try to merge into 60mph traffic with a 50ft ramp. Suffice to say most drivers here ignore the stop and treat it as a yield anyway.

[@Inquirro]

Same thing in Moscow.

[@HastySwampert]

Making me think of the Hutch. I'm learning highway driving and entered the short off ramp with a stop sign. But the bridge was up and it was empty coincidentally.

[@gama9865]

People better believe in what Tedward says, he once had a BMW and STILL USED his turn signals

[@brkbtjunkie]

What? I don’t think they even come with indicators…

[@nlpnt]

@@brkbtjunkie He had drained-and-flushed the first fill Genuine BMW-Moxnixleuchtfluid and replaced it with Universal Blinker Fluid from a parts store.

[@hectichive889]

He’s the chosen one. The highway messiah

[@chrisstromberg6527]

You have proof, pictures or video? I call B.S. I have never seen a BMW driver use their signal or drive the speed limit.

[@FirstLastOne]

But that's because his BMW came with that option. Most BMWs don't have turn signals as a standard option and most people feel it's a waste of money anyways because everyone knows what they're thinking.

[@MrMiyati]

When Tedward explains something you have been doing half your life, you still listen.

[@5erase]

yep, I use the freeway every day. Still watched the whole video lol

[@Warrior-xt4ne]

I feel like im the best driver everytime im on the highway, still watched the whole video 😂

[@nsm1091]

😅completely agreed, he is a special way of explaining very ordinary things in a very special way .

[@SuperChicken666]

Problem is, some people have been doing it wrong for half their life. I once knew a guy (died of old age long ago) who never yielded to driver's who were trying to get on from the on ramp. I guess it was a matter of principle for him.

[@1855Media]

Not just this concept, but this actual video should be shown in every driver’s education class.

[@aircooledhead]

H.S.Driver’s Ed creates poor drivers.

[@Obamas_Nipple]

we just need to require an english and IQ test before getting a license

[@Amorphous_Sand]

@@aircooledheadIdk, I had driver's ed and I think I turned out fine enough. The issue isn't the class, so much as it is people refusing to continue learning healthy driving habits once they get their license.

[@maxjn0709]

That is the smoothest 495 run I've seen lmao. Me and my mom always get into highway etiquette, she's stubborn about driving her way and doesn't have a ton of confidence on the road. I'm glad there are voices on public platforms so if my mother isn't getting the message, somebody else might

[@ZagelMedia]

Yeah, I talk about this to my parents all the time... my dad wants to go 4 over the speed limit in the HOV lane and let other people "move around if they have to"🤦‍♂🤦‍♂🤦‍♂ AHHHHHHH it's so aggravating!!

[@bldontmatter5319]

He's breaking the law ​@@ZagelMedia

[@Martin199320]

​@@ZagelMedia hov is the right lane for slower speeds or? We don't have hov lane in my country

[@sherithnoorey1419]

@@Martin199320 H.igh O.ccupancy V.ehicle lane, a separate lane for vehicles that have 2+ people inside them.

[@mark5nb]

@@Martin199320 left lane

[@matt_d7828]

“How much signal I need to cut across 8 lanes? None?! I Turn NOW. Good luck everybody else!” - I always remember this quote whenever I drive on highways or parkways. Keeps me on my toes. 😅

[@wtf1185]

Family Guy cutaway. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CubanRider]

I'm sure a high percentage this channel's audience care about driving and merge at the same rate or even a little quicker than the highway traffic, it's those who would never watch this video that need it the most. 😉

[@d47000]

Totally! New idea - radar speed sign next to on ramps, but instead of flashing "SLOW DOWN," they flash "SPEED UP" if you're still doing 40 at the end of the ramp!

[@ExtraThiccc]

Nah I'm good, I'm not an idiot I know how to drive lmao, not wasting my time with this

[@hidinginyourcloset]

​@@ExtraThiccc bait

[@ExtraThiccc]

@@hidinginyourcloset Lol, lmao

[@wtf1185]

LOL like 99.999999% of people who submit dashcam footage thinking they know how to drive. In 1964 drivers ed was a course taught in the 9th grade, it desperately needs to be brought back.

[@chrysalisendeavors]

“People should be helping you a little bit” LMAOOO that’s a lot faith you have in humanity there Tedward, something I’ve personally lost awhile ago driving in LA🤣

[@PeninsulaCity2024]

Reginal driving culture is a factor too. Some places have somewhat patient drivers, others won't even let you breathe.

[@michele8039]

The flip side of this is, anyone who drives a slow vehicle will know how obnoxious it is when you're doing the speed limit, you move over to let someone in and they floor it and undertake you. Like... is it really that hard to wait 5 seconds so I can move over safely and you can go as fast as you'd like? I swear people actually lack the brain cells to comprehend how little time stuff like this saves.

[@David_Journey]

Some short merges in LA can’t be negotiated with textbook / correct merging demonstrated in the video.

[@David.77]

@@michele8039 True, some people act like they're saving hours of the day by being impatient.

[@MoreJamesSmith]

@@michele8039 I stopped moving over for this very reason. They can figure it out.

[@RuslanVideoFilms]

It’s ironic because only the people that care would watch this. :(

[@tacticalidiot175]

So many people are so terrified of themselves they come to a complete stop - without realizing theyre putting themselves in a deadly situation. 76 is a horrible highway, don't make it worse for yourself! Glad you made this video.

[@MidnightGreen4649]

I actually came to a complete stop on a highway once. Much scarier than losing traction on icy roads or going well past the speed limit in bad rain.

[@chanchanadissanayake2391]

I could listen to Tedward talking about driving etiquette for 24 hours straight without getting bored.

[@TedwardDrives]

That’s nice but this isn’t the topher.

[@Sha-Ayo]

​@@TedwardDrivesI always get confused between you and Topher

[@chanchanadissanayake2391]

@@TedwardDrives I'm sorry, I meant Tedward. I was just watching Topher and clicked on this and I got muddled. I edited the comment now.

[@noodle3972]

LOL don't feel bad sometimes they are hard to tell apart by voice alone 😂

[@CaptainDully]

I dont have any issues with merging I am just here because I really enjoy your videos :)

[@TedwardDrives]

Appreciated! And if anyone scares you in a car you can send this video to them

[@abdullahnajid9818]

This is excellent advice! One thing I want to add is that you should give plenty of space to the car in front of you when merging onto the highway. Reason for this is so that drivers in the right lane can zipper merge with merging drivers when traffic is heavy and they don't have the space to move over for you. This is one of the root causes for traffic jams at merge points. A train of tail gating cars is hard to merge with. Brakes will be slammed equals traffic jam.

[@maroofr]

I love your education series. Given about 90 percent of my friends are of the “blind spots are for other people” crowd, the patient manner you have of explaining things really help.

[@williamfriar6295]

One weird trick that few motorists are aware of is the option of merging BEHIND another vehicle. I do this from time to time and have suffered no ill effects. It’s not a race.

[@radellaf]

It really helps with the common case where people speed up to prevent you from merging. Obnoxious, but it does open more space behind them. Just gotta be really concerned if they have to hit the brakes suddenly.

[@noble20xx56]

For real! There will be times where accelerating to pass is an option but, not necessary at the current time and speed. Especially if you think ahead.

[@peteroleary9447]

Good advice... for light traffic conditions as in this video. In cities, you have to shoehorn yourself in, often quite assertively. Normally you want to be predictable, but experienced city drivers use a different strategy. In heavy traffic, if you intend to slip between cars while merging or changing lanes, you're often better off to just go for it. If you use your signal before you make your move, often the driver in the lane you're moving into will speed up, intentionally blocking you. If you're assertive and make the move anyway, you'll often get honked if you used your signal. In the city, you got to keep 'em guessing.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Yup. In heavy traffic a turn signal allows others to close the gap. I still signal, but as I'm already moving and not enough time to prevent it. I am courteous to courteous drivers and facilitate others merging BUT I'm also alert for cheaters and do what I can to prevent successful cheating.

[@AdventuraHighway31]

Finally a video that addresses this huge American problem. As a European driver towing a travel trailer on American roads, I am quite often frustrated and embarrassed by drivers who have no idea how to get onto a highway. Some stop at the start of the ramp, others drive at the same speed as me until the end of the ramp and finally others stop at the end of the ramp, in many cases I have observed that these drivers looked straight ahead without worrying about what was happening to their left shoulder!

[@darrylrotrock7816]

Yes! Whenever I go back home (Germany), I marvel at the discipline shown. Many Americans seem to think the Autobahn is all about the speed, but it's the drivers' focus and coordination which makes it such a safe road.

[@BooyahCr7]

this honda has a beautiful interior 😮

[@Natediggetydog]

They aren’t that pricy either, my civic hatchback was only $29k after all the taxes and fees were added on

[@43ballboy]

I think some other comment said it was a Type R which is $50K+

[@carloshour8263]

The screen is atrocious

[@Natediggetydog]

@@43ballboy yes, but you can get an si for less. The type r is the super sporty performance model. It’s like Hondas version of the mustang gt500

[@mypronouniswtf5559]

@@carloshour8263 I always hated screens that are not integrated into the dash,they seem to be an afterthought...just slap a screen on the dash looks cheap no matter the brand of car!

[@--Bride]

Need this as a beginner driver😮‍💨🙏

[@TedwardDrives]

Unfortunately I see older people standing on the brakes on on-ramps. I wish this video wasn't necessary

[@HunterMSmithHQ]

People are mental in the head when it comes to driving.​@TedwardDrives

[@marvin2678]

why didnt you got that taight ?

[@x_Skeleton_x]

The retvrn of the FL5 Type-R! I love my FL5, glad to see so much love for it.

[@Bruh-rv1yg]

It's the left lane hogs on 2-lane highways that really get to me. It is not rare to see a line of 5 to 15 cars in the left lane, leaving a super open right lane around here. I'll admit, when it get's under my skin enough I'll hop in the right lane and just go a little faster to make passes, only to see the car in front of the left line has a huge gap in front of them, which is where I go haha. Usually that driver then proceeds to close the fat gap and tailgate me once I catch up to the NEXT left lane hog... huff... Goodness... it is just SO SIMPLE... If you are not passing, stay right.

[@dre32pitt]

left lane campers are usually one of two types of people... People totally ignorant to proper highway etiquette and prius drivers... sometimes they're both.... The non-ignorant prius drivers will claim 'im doing the speed limit... go around'.. Yea buddy, that's NOT what the left lane is for.... It's VERY bad here in the PNW.. but, for me, I just see it as more opportunities to heel-toe and drive in my 'aggressively defensive' manner, lol..

[@gamersroost]

It's the law here in Maine. It's a ticketable offense.

[@glee21012]

It’s easier to drive in left lane slow, put on your cruise control and let everyone pass you on the right; as you take a nap.

[@dre32pitt]

@@glee21012 Tesla drivers are a whole nother breed.. either super docile or manic AF lmao... They're usually the brand that tries to match speed the most as I pass them on the right because they think 10 over the speed limit is fast enough to camp the left lane.. well, it ain't lol.. there's always someone wanting to go faster..

[@charlesc3734]

Problem is, sometimes they *are* passing, there'll be a particularly slow right lane driver going like 10 under the limit, forcing both faster drivers (you and me) and speed limit drivers to get into the left lane. Plenty of times I've seen this where the right lane is almost completely empty except for like two or three cars and the left lane was a line of cars probably over a mile long having a sort of turtle race, slowly inching past the right lane car.

[@Grafyte]

2:51 Try that in Colorado where all the on ramps are uphill and all the off ramps are downhill ... and with a beat up car that maybe makes 100 horsepower.

[@GiGA-BOB]

fr bro

[@Pheer777]

There’s plenty of up-hill on-ramps in that area

[@JaredDixon]

Thank you Tedward. I wish similar training was a universal DMV requirement for approving driver licenses in the US. I genuinely think some people didn't receive the proper instruction. You would be shocked at how many US drivers have no idea that the passing lane is not a place to just cruise.. if there is nobody in front of you in the left lane, move over and let the fellow drivers behind you move by people!

[@urbnfusionteam3200]

Matching a speed of a moving car ahead of you... Absolutely!!! Unfortunately lots of drivers have no clue how to drive!!! Thanks for great lessons.

[@MukisaSS]

A rule I always follow (works every time for me at least), even before I put my finger on the turn signal, I am going the speed limit or at the follow of traffic at the acceleration ramp(if it is long enough).

[@vulpixelful]

I don't have freeway phobias but props to people who do and watch videos like this ✊🏾 You're making things safer for _everyone_ trust me 😂

[@dawnsafton5767]

The absolute best video on merging! I have experienced so many folks who have zero idea how to do this safely lately. NO one moves over, and so many people are accelerating instead of backing off the pedal a bit just to be courteous & safe. I’d love to see more videos on those tight on/off ramps on highway. The world needs help! Lol

[@Soul97HH]

In Germany it is forbidden to stop on the on ramp when there is to much traffic. I don´t know if it is the same in the US. If that happens here we are told and taught to use the shoulder for the needed amount of time.

[@harryaudette]

We would get a ticket for using the shoulder, unrestricted speed limits require strict regulations like that, I wish that was a rule in the USA I would love to use the shoulder in backed up traffic

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

That makes a lot of sense. Would be much safer.

[@RockinTheDub]

There are a lot of traffic rules that are simply not inforced

[@PeninsulaCity2024]

​@@harryaudette Interesting, when I was learning to drive in California, USA (2009-2010) we were taught that you can use the shoulder very briefly if you needed more time or space to speed up if the current conditions does not allow you to merge onto the highway safely in that moment. From what I gather in the comments, this does not seem to apply nation-wide (or may have changed). It is also true that localized police agencies have varying levels of discretion when it comes to enforcement. Some are "by-the-book" and enforce the rules / laws strictly. Others may take into account the actual traffic situation and just let drivers continue as they are. Only making sure that no one does anything unreasonable or obviously dangerious.

[@pbear216]

Because Germans are required to actually learn how to drive, unlike the US, where we give licenses to absolute morons

[@jimpemberton]

Good advice on this. The thoughts on the middle lane being the cruising lane is that it's for through traffic, where the left lane is for passing and the right lane is for local traffic doing a lot of merging on and off. Naturally, if you have more than a mile between exits, the slower through traffic should get into the right lane, but in larger towns or cities where you end up with exists closer than a mile, interchanges with other Interstates, and Exit Only configurations, it helps if the through traffic gets out of the way of the local interchanges. Of course, you're going to have aggressive drivers lane changing to pass on the right to pass slower passers on the left, but you can't do anything about them. Let them go and minimize the risk by minimizing your interaction with them. One other thing is areas high traffic saturation where slower drivers are forced left because there isn't enough room on the right for everyone. This makes it much more difficult to merge, especially if you have a tractor-trailer on the right that can't get over to the left to help a merging vehicle get on. Sometimes you have to use the emergency lane. Don't stop on the ramp unless you have absolutely no other choice. You put yourself and others in an incredibly dangerous position.

[@Faben202]

My son and I were literally discussing this a couple of hours ago, after seeing someone NOT use the merge lane onto a busy road. They obstructed traffic on the merge lane, and were going much slower than the traffic on the right lane so they couldn’t merge. Thanks for putting this content out there. Next, do one about not camping on the left lane.

[@cake7986]

I hope this reaches the people who need to see it. I'm new to the channel and everything you've touched on in this video is spot. on. I run my own business and unfortunately, I do a LOT of driving on New Jersey highways. NJ is a very diverse area which is reflected in the drivers - scared drivers, aggressive drivers, stupid drivers, smart drivers. I've seen it all and i'm at the point where I don't even get annoyed or angry when someone does some crazy, dangerous shit. I just try to give them grace. Who knows what's going on in peoples' heads?

[@MidnightGreen4649]

Same here, I'm probably way younger than you too. But what still gets me is people who take like 15 seconds to pass large vehicles on the highway... are they unconcerned about the possibility of staying in someone's blind spot?

[@cake7986]

@@MidnightGreen4649 probably not, I'm 21. But yeah that's awful especially when theres only 2 lanes

[@MidnightGreen4649]

@@cake7986 oh ok then I'm as old as you LMAO. I also drive on 2 lane roads plenty of times and it's really bad because there are people driving too slow in the left lane which forces you to stay behind or undertake them. I usually assume they are lost and looking for a left turn or a u-turn.

[@jeffsullivan3101]

OK folks, THIS GUY knows how to drive! Believe it or not what Tedward does was taught way back in the day (1979 when I was in drivers ed class). Just a couple of things to add. Use the ENTIRE on ramp to accelerate up to the speed of traffic, don't wait till the last 20 yards to speed up. Another thing that most people today don't know is that merging traffic MUST YIELD to the traffic already in the lane you want to get into, that goes for simple lane changes on a multi-lane road as well. A lane change is considered a merge. And you using your turn signal does not give you the "right" to change lanes, it just tells others what you "want to do" not what you are going to do. Excellent job Sir.

[@kingnull2697]

Tedward was maintaining space behind the slowpoke in front of him. Probably part of why he made this video.

[@japanesecinema6736]

Nobody even uses turn signals anymore. I dont even know why manufacturers still include them.

[@aa-tx7th]

wrong. if youre in the rightmost lane on the highway and not about to exit youre already doing some stup!d sh!t. im merging wether or not you think i am. end of story. not about to exit in half a mile or less? STAY OUT OF THE RIGHTMOST LANE OR HAVE YOUR INSURANCE CARD READY FAM

[@jeffsullivan3101]

@@aa-tx7th People with your attitude is the reason I have a dash cam in all of my cars. Your the same person that passes me on the left and then cuts in front of me to make your exit. Have YOUR insurance card ready!

[@auxiliaryoverdrive]

This is great! Please do one about proper use of roundabouts in the US. I'm from England and have lived in the US for about 10 years and EVERY TIME I get to a roundabout, there's an issue. Nobody signals, nobody yields...

[@annalynn8264]

I agree! The turn signal one especially isn't properly taught AT ALL to most Americans. Not a single driving instructor or family member who was teaching me to drive ever flipped their turn signal when exiting the roundabouts. Plus, there's a lot of roundabouts where I live, so I frequently see the locals not signaling their exits, god forbid they yield for entry.

[@britexpat_l33t]

..there's also the issue that roundabout design in the US is errantly poor compared to what Europeans are used to of a roundabout.

[@radellaf]

Totally. I'm dead set against USA roundabouts because literally nobody was taught how to use them. "they're safer" is dead wrong unless every user knows what they're doing.

[@kehrin]

Reassuring to see that people driving too slow in the middle lane is a universal thing. No matter if autobahn or highway :)

[@radellaf]

Disappointing to see that people driving too fast in the center lane is a universal thing on highways. Risk lives to save 5 min on their trip. Stay to the right on a 3 lane, and you're risking both you and people merging in and out (unless its a US interstate or equiv)

[@bldontmatter5319]

​@@radellafno such thing Pay attention, and speeding is safe

[@radellaf]

@@bldontmatter5319 And illegal, for good reason. No need to speed unless you're taking someone to the hospital or going to put out a fire.

[@alistairblaire6001]

I drive a Focus. In my area I am forced to floor the gas pedal and shift at 5000rpm otherwise the pickup truck behind you will speed up faster and merge to your side, blocking you in and running you off the road. This happens constantly in my area. That and people intentionally blocking you in the freeway so you can’t merge. Must be nice to live in an area where people aren’t assholes. Edit: another thing that constantly happens in my area is people playing chicken while they pass delivery trucks. They don’t care about oncoming traffic at all, they just yolo the pass and assume that YOU will drive OFF the road so you don’t die. Literally a weekly occurrence in my area and it’s always a massive vehicle like a lifted F150 or a Yukon/Tahoe. Again it would be nice if people followed the rules but apparently it’s the law of the jungle out there. Bigger car = do whatever you want and good luck everyone.

[@jasonv8142]

Wow, where do you live?

[@wim0104]

@@jasonv8142 anywhere in texas. every day. every. day.

[@sei_asagiri]

You are supposed to merge as soon as you possibly and SAFELY can. If people are BEHIND you trying to merge as well, and they are cutting you off by the time you merge its your fault and you are merging too late into the lane. The merge lane is not a driving lane, its a merge lane, you get OFF it as soon as possible otherwise you will cause congestion and possibly a collision behind you. A dumb Chrysler minivan driver almost merged into me today and could of sandwiched me between 2 cars because they were merging onto the highway extremely slow and at the very end of the merge lane, this was 5 seconds after I already merged safely behind them. They were swerving all over the road and going over the speed limit when I was driving behind them before we merged, but despite going over the speed limit before, they couldn't build any speed to merge because they don't know how to drive.

[@edwardjohannes360]

Should also cover getting off the freeway. All too often, people slow down before taking the off-ramp. The freeway is designed for you to exit at highway speed. Once you exit, you slow down, not before.

[@Elohist2009]

Glad someone mentioned this 👍🏾

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Once you exit, you slow down, not before." Usually. Plenty of exits exist where you'd better slow down for a sharp right turn. An example is Seattle kzbin.info/www/bejne/h525YYqej9SlrrM "One man has spent years cataloging crashes at the I-5 southbound off-ramp on Union Street."

[@wim0104]

oh no, that's the Texas "let me shove my ass in your face". Texans always block at least two lanes, that's just how they drive.

[@DonushAbtahi]

God bless you Tom for doing the people a service with this video. If only there was a way to broadcast this across every TV set in the city of Seattle. Saving this video to show my future kids when they learn to drive

[@zeitgeist888]

Good video that is sadly needed. One thing I do especially when in lower powered cars is to accelerate more than I may need early so that I can slow by throttle lift or some braking as it is faster and easier to reduce speed than it is to increase it if there is limited gaps or short on ramp lane. I see way too many people on the on ramp at 35-45MPH trying to enter traffic traveling at 75-80MPH by accelerating at the last minute in low powered car or worse trucks and trailers. This is even more beneficial on long curve cloverleaf style on ramps. So many people will drive at very low speeds around the curved ramp and then try to match speeds in the short straight when traffic is present.

[@tinman3220]

Thanks for putting this out there, along with all your other driving tips. It is quite honorable of you to try and make safe driving go viral!

[@SyCoREAPER]

The on ramp should not be ridden out. You should merge at the first safe opportunity. Not only is the person behind you not going to ride it out but by riding it out you lose all ability to move back over if you missed/didn't see a car next to you or someone comes speeding down the right lane. Riding it out you now have no "runway" left to move back to in an emergency situation and you'll end up on the shoulder.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

I agree - I get on as soon as I can safely do so, very rarely ride out the whole ramp.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Honolulu has some scary on-ramps, not really a ramp but the overpass has no shoulder. You'd better have figured out your open spot in traffic as you approach. If you have to slam on the brakes it may be a long time before you can merge going from zero to 60 in 20 feet. See googly earth 21.294491° -157.821088°

[@homuraakemi9556]

Agree. As long as your speed is adequate, merge as soon as safely possible.

[@realmisr]

Thank you tedward! On this topic, please show us how you adjust your mirrors and how to check your mirrors for safe merging and lane changes! Talk us through it

[@antp8462]

Tedward thank you for this video. I’m from Brooklyn NY and driving here is very unorthodox compared to the rest of the country. I’m getting ready to move my car up to my college and these videos really help!!

[@varan619]

Well, this is definitely not CA where you have: 1. Two lane on ramps (805S to 163S) 2. Traffic lights on the on ramps 3. Five lanes merging into one lane (5N to 163N) 4. Short 180/270 degree on ramps with extremely short merge lanes (94W at 28th) 5. On ramps to on/off ramps (8E at Morena on to 5N to 8E) 6. On ramps to the left lane and needing to make 4 quick lane changes to get the exit (5S to 8E to Taylor) Examples provided in San Diego in a very small radius but not isolated. Except maybe the the 5 to 1 is possibly rare. But the Sequoia at 11:30, SMH. Granted, there's a big truck. Still annoying.

[@bill.godwin-austen]

As a San Diegan, I'm quite familiar with most of those. Getting onto I-5N from the Pershing on-ramp and getting over to avoid the CA-163 exit can be a real adventure at many times of the day. I use the dual lane ramps between I-805 and CA-163 in both directions frequently. That I-5S to I-8E to Taylor St. exit is a nightmare. If I'm heading south on I-5 at most times of the day and need to get to Taylor, I'm likely to take the earlier exit (Sea World Drive) and take surface streets to Morena and get to it that way... it's not worth the aggravation and risk.

[@ralphlazio505]

There’s “on ramps” here in Los Angeles that don’t allow for travel time; meaning that the on ramp is literally a STOP sing that is 15 feet and sets you onto incoming traffic traveling at 59-75 mph 😂. It’s definitely not for the faint hearted or the novice drivers.

[@jeffmorse645]

Exactly! I've seen onramps like that in older sections of freeway in the Bay Area. There's no opportunity to gain speed and I hate using them - our drivers are probably as aggressive as SoCal drivers. I remember once when I first started driving I literally yelled "You're gonna let me in or we're both gonna die!" all the while they're honking at me and finally moving over.😬

[@ralphlazio505]

@jeffmorse645 - 😂 Yeah. This is the 110 Freeway that was built back in 1925. Back when cars maximum speed was probably 35 miles an hour. The freeway was well built, though it’s got amazing twist and turns 😅

[@eleanormassaro5195]

@@jeffmorse645 especially in rush hour traffic, a lot of these on ramps already have 45 cars backed up, trying to merge in

[@Maria-yf8fp]

Connecticut does this look also.

[@FrancoM7747]

Or the on-ramps are metered at rush hour (CA/AZ). Different animal.

[@kruksog]

People slowing down on on-ramps makes me crazy. I remember one time i almost died getting onto an 85 mph freeway in montana. The car in front of me was making good progress, and had no traffic to worry about. So i checked my mirror and apparently as i began to look over my shoulder to check my blindspot, the car in front of me braked hard. Luckily i had a passenger yell my name immediately and i was able to properly react to the now nearly stopped car. To this day i have no idea why he braked (and so hard!) on that ramp. Literally could have been the end of my life. Im trying to get up to 85, i was probably at 65 with four or five seconds to the merge point, and he just stood on his brakes. Wild. I can see it in my mind's eye still, that moment when i whipped my head back around to see a functionally stopped car just before the merge point. There was not traffic coming he had any reason to be concerned about. God, it scared me. Thats one of those things I have no control over. There was no reason for him to stop! Ugh, i clearly still get worked up just thinking about it.

[@david.mcmahan]

I wish more people would follow this. Having learned to drive with a 1984 Cavalier in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's second nature for me to pay attention, think ahead, and make FULL use of the lane.

[@markbajek2541]

I bet you always wished you had a tail wind

[@danny1103]

1. Regardless if the vehicle is equipped with blind spot monitoring system, just add a circular rotatable blind spot mirror from Walmart at $2.5 each and stick it onto the lower right corner of the side mirror. It really helps you to a) parking, b) merging at traffic low speed, c) checking the lane marker as you drive. 2. When you are on ramp, put the car in sport mode or drop a gear like D2 or D3, then reasonably step on it and maintaining the high rev (4-5k RPM) that allowed you to quickly speed up to 65-75 mph, check the side mirror and blind spot mirror while controlling the throttle, then you will find yourself adjusting to the highway speed with the throttle response that makes you merge easily before the merge lane ends. Once merging completed, then you can put back into Auto/Eco mode or leave it in Sport mode. 3. #2 also works well if there is a slow merger in front of you as you used the throttle (engine and transmission) to quickly decrease speed and put some gap in between or increase speed when you have the chance to merge out to 2nd lane and no need to wait for a minute behind the turtle to pick up their turtle speed. No brakes needed.

[@goatsplitter]

This was great, Mr. Ward. It's very nice to see someone such as yourself doing these basic videos for 1) newer or scared drivers and 2) maybe people forgot the ways or don't realize they're being a jerk. I liked your comments about predictability. I remember my driving instructor saying in class over and over that you must commit, even if the action is wrong, commit, because even when wrong, it's better to be predictable in your wrongness than not.

[@LightStar150]

When tedward gives a free driving lesson you better listen and save $$$

[@poocky100]

Ty I just drove on the highway today for the first time in a long time with an instructor for a refresher course. And it was scary exciting and fun! 😊

[@jw77019]

Many people need your valuable advice. As a long-time limo driver, speeding is a dangerous yet very common occurrence. When you are instructing drivers I feel it would be good to set an example of observing the speed limit. I realize we can often keep pace with traffic, exceeding the speed limit by a few miles per hour. When instructing drivers there needs to be reinforcement of the idea that we need to observe the speed limit.

[@radellaf]

It was emphasized heavily in my 1980s driver's ed. It's about useless on the interstates. If you don't go 10 over, people are hitting the brakes coming up behind you. It's so annoying. Doubly so now that some limits are 70 vs the good old 55. My little sedan has 150 horses but really does not feel safe cruising at 70. Forget 80.

[@adamlyman8293]

Great tips!! Learned all of this in Driver’s Ed in high school in the late 80’s. Really should bring that back to the school systems. I also have used the 2” convex stick-on mirrors on my side mirrors on all of my vehicles since the early 90’s. They are great as blind spot remover and they help when parking (parallel as well) and backing into a slot. Thanks for the great content.

[@JohnEboyee]

One gets extra good at this skill with an old car with no power. It's all about finding the merge gap far in advance and praying your timing belt doesn't snap.

[@jeffsullivan3101]

Yep driving a big truck is the same thing, you have to time the gap to merge smoothly.

[@A.Rose.G]

My gosh, someone who actually knows how to teach without causing panic attacks and phobias.

[@jonmanchester5161]

Great video and good information. While I watched the video because of the subject, it really brought back happy memories of good friends. For many years I drove from Delaware to visit dear friends who lived in Medway. Seeing the signs on I-495 reminded me of those trips and friends. So while I appreciated the video for the great advice, I also want to thank you for the memories.

[@graywolf2694]

Yeah in NJ you put your blinker on, people speed up and block you, yes use the on ramp to get up to speed, don't drive 15 till the end and speed up. Also when your in an on/off ramp leave your blinker on so we know if your getting on, off or just using the on/off as a bypass.

[@SkiaAAAA]

Was fortunate to already have an idea on how to merge before I got my license. I live in a city where the interstate infrastructure isn’t nearly as modern as other cities nearby so the on-ramps are pretty nonexistent. It’s been a good learning lesson of just knowing when and where to commit because the time you have is extremely minimal and the distance to get to speed is also very small

[@robertbutsch1802]

I’m glad that you corrected your error at the start of the video where you implied that cars on the freeway have right-of-way over cars on the on ramp (1:18) by thoughtfully slowing a smidge to match your speed on the freeway to that of the car on the on ramp (10:09).

[@TedwardDrives]

The car on the highway DOES have the right of way. But driving is a social activity and requires some give and take. You don't have to hold open a door for someone 3 steps behind you, but you should.

[@Roccondil]

Yeah, it’s a courtesy: the driver on the freeway doesn’t have to look anywhere but forward through the windshield. The driver on the on-ramp, however, had to look both forward and over the shoulder and the mirrors, taking their attention away from the other directions to do so.

[@RonCurrie-dq3wx]

Great video. I will say that I liked the line about your directional not letting out state secrets. I tell novice drivers that they weren't signalling to the cars they saw, they were signalling to the cars they didn't see. But keep in mind that when a semi signals, that driver is not asking your permission, they are TELLING you what's going to happen. Stay away from the semis people!

[@PhunkyChikin]

Enjoyed you video, sir, and I shared it with my daughter. When I merge in, I sometimes like to pretend I’m flying, and I say V1, and rotate as I enter the lane.

[@briankinsey3339]

This seems so fundamental to me. But then, I love driving, including on ramps. Simply maintain spatial awareness, know how to judge distance and differences in speed, and match the traffic around you. Simple - in theory. Apparently difficult in practice for some people. You want a real mess, though? Forget on ramps. Let's talk about roundabouts! 😄

[@JonFinnguitar]

I havent finished watching this, but I did want to comment: In Massachusetts, merging traffic has the right of way (unlike what you said.... maybe CA is different?) The trick is to use the onramp to match speed as you said, but also realize that your job is to keep moving while you merge. Awesome job thanks!

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

Thanks for the vid sir - super useful. We used to have a really short, tight merge NB 405 to EB 520 out here in Bellevue, WA that our instructors would have us practice on. Honestly it was scary as sh!# the first time you do it, super tight right hand curve into a blind super short merging zone. But after doing it successfully a few times it sure gave folks confidence they could handle other difficult situations. You really do have to "attack" a merge, don't be timid, passive or unaware.

[@AndelaPandela]

Almost everything between 405 and 520 is gnarly at SOME point during the day (whether it's before things slow down, or after things slow down ...). SB 405 -> EB 520 ramp has an interesting dynamic in that many people take the curly Q outside-inside-outside / standard cornering for max avg speed but in my work truck I have to take it slowly with a sharper bend midway through the turn to set up maximum exit speed. Maybe I'm making that up but it seems like a nuance sports car drivers might understand

[@ZZ-np8vm]

That's a funny one for sure

[@ammarisrar2005]

The fact that these videos actually educate people and even new drivers is awesome, and I don’t think many of our behind the wheel instructors are doing tough merges that feed directly into the highway, instead they choose an easily new lane added on ramp, at least my BTW instructor did exactly that

[@Xaunoki]

Another couple things to add. On the highway, if there is nobody behind you, or if the person behind you isn't going to be passing you for a little while, please give the car you're passing a minimum of 3 seconds following distance before getting back in the right lane. Pick an object on the side of the road that you can use as a reference so that when you pass it, 3 seconds should go by before the car you just passed in the right lane drives by that same object. In the rain, give people an even longer following distance so that you're not kicking up as much water onto their windshields. The second thing I wanted to mention was the order of operations regarding using the signal to change lanes. Plan ahead first and foremost. If you see a vehicle ahead that is going slower than you in the same lane and the left lane is open now, get in the left lane now. Don't wait until you have to brake for the slower traffic to then decide to move over. That being said, when you want to move lanes, signal that intention first. I don't mean signal as your moving lanes, I mean signal first as soon as that thought of changing lanes enters your mind. This gives other drivers a chance to see what you want to do and respond accordingly. Once you have signaled your desire to change lanes, THEN check your mirror, over your shoulder in your blind spot, and make the lane change. I noticed at 7:25, you more or less cut the guy in the middle lane off by signaling then almost instantaneously changing lanes. Speeding up was good, but if you had signaled a bit sooner, odds are the car in the middle lane would've moved over to the far left and there wouldn't have been any conflict whatsoever. I figure you're opening yourself up for critique now that you've started making driver's ed videos haha ;) Great video and hope your back is doing better. Have a good weekend!

[@danieljoseph2015]

I don't have trouble merging, and I watched this video out of curiosity. I'm glad to say that I agree with everything on it. Particularly, I share the view that it is good to drive in the right lane on freeways as much as possible. That is very good advice.

[@radellaf]

for light traffic, or for interstates or other roads without heavy merging activity

[@darkknight8139]

This is a great piece of educational advice, all American drivers should do so. One question though: why do you turn on the indicator so early on the onramp? Example at 3:00. Here in Europe we are used to turning on the indicator only at the moment you are really starting your merge, so in this case that would be at around 3:07. There is plenty of room here, and for me it is only confusing when someone indicates but does not go.

[@TedwardDrives]

You’re supposed to indicate your intention. Not shock drivers a moment before you move.

[@darkknight8139]

@@TedwardDrives Thanks for your reply! I guess it may be a culture difference between the US and Europe. I always got taught to do it this way: first look if there is an opportunity to merge, then make sure that the opportunity is really there (the famous double check), then indicate and go. The drivers on the highway have the right of way, but they should have seen you coming and expect you to merge. You don't scare anyone this way. Of course when the highway is crowded, you indicate earlier. But never before the sliproad starts. Differences aside, it is really a good thing that you made this video, because too many people don't indicate at all, let alone pay enough attention and/or think about what another driver could do.

[@la-ki5wd]

Wow!! Your videos are so helpful with the clear narration and POV cam. Thank you!!

[@jon_ington]

If I could give this man an award I would. Thank you for your service.

[@vince8436]

This was all taught in drivers ed back in the 70s mid west. I have never been afraid of highway driving even at 15.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

When I wasa new driver, I made the mistake of stopping on an entrance ramp as, in those days (early 1970's) the entry ramps were equipped with yield signs. Today, ramps in most cases are now equipped with yellow diamond "merge" signs which convey proper procedure of entering the roadway.

[@msaurles5551]

Thank you for this. U seem to have a soothing way of breaking this down into something simple.

[@itsjohnthomas]

9:03 to add, it is law in some states, to move over when possible for stopped vehicles with hazards flashing

[@ryancha1974]

Thank you Tedward for taking the time. The current driver’s ed program is out of date especially in Canada/ON. I hope many Ontario drivers sees this as well. Keep it up 👍

[@claudialunden3691]

Omg, May your video go viral! I would like to point out, though, that I never merge into another lane where I will be placing myself into another’s blind spot.

[@andreasbayer]

Great video. I gave some highway driving lessons to my mom just recently. She was very anxious especially about the onramp (called Beschleunigungsstreifen - Acceleration lane - in German) since she did only 3 maybe 5 highway rides in the last decade just out of nessessity. The key for her (with an 79 hp manual small car) was basically to STAY in second, maximum third gear and just give it full throttle until she is on the highway. Maybe only slightly adjusting to behind a truck/car. Second gear is just enough to be in truck speed area in Germany (50-55mph) for her car and if the engine screems at 6000 rpm, thats not major a problem. If it helps, just care about the transmission 20 seconds after merging. That took much of the stress from her in that situation. She still doesn't like driving on the highway, but at least she is now again (mentaly) able to use it if really needed.

[@BullittHilts]

I know you live up in good ol’ New England (my old stomping grounds - CT) I’d say the norm is to signal up North. But down in North Carolina, where I live now, hardly anyone indicates for any kind of turn or lane change. You’ll be following someone and they start slowing down to a crawl… and then turn onto a side street without ever using a signal. Drives me NUTS. On that note - I have to tell myself, before I go out, to expect it rather than expect everyone to change their behavior so I’m not enraged when they turn and don’t bother to let anyone know their intention. Love your channel man, Go SOX

[@woooozaaa6528]

You should mention that you should keep a big distance to any car in front of you on an onramp. So you will have loads of space in case they don't accelerate properly. Otherwise very satisfying content for me as a former test driver from Germany

[@xikefocus]

Some short ramps are dangerous.

[@TedwardDrives]

In CT some have stop signs 😂. I’ll do a video on those ones

[@MukisaSS]

PA has plenty of them too, absolutely hate it.

[@xikefocus]

@@TedwardDrives In Portland, OR, there’s a short ramp with limited visibility. I just avoid using that and use a different route. I’m getting old and the reaction is not as quick as young drivers.

[@josephgolio36]

First time my southern college friends came to visit me we were driving through Brooklyn and Queens and they were shocked to see a stop sign and no entrance ramp to get onto some parkways.

[@yarchieduke]

Yes I had one have a yield sign and no entry lane just the right lane with oncoming traffic. I stopped and someone rightfully honked at me for driving scared.

[@flyer617]

No driving courses around here deal with highways at all. This is surprising as highways are all over the place here. I've taught my kids and others what you are saying here. The trouble is when there is a heavy volume and rude drivers try to prevent you from merging in by speeding up and slowing down until you run out of lane. That's why they refer to drivers around here as "Massholes." Having good command and control of your car, and having it be capable, then acting with predictability and sureness help a lot too. I had to go to Germany for work and they do things a little differently, having arrows on the highway nudging drivers out of the right-most lane to help incoming traffic get on. I think the highway cars still have right or way but this does get many to move over which helps the flow. Seems courteous and efficient, which is probably why many here won't do it.

[@cindypatrick785]

I appreciate the reminder on merging onto the freeway from an on ramp. Now I will feel more at ease when I face the situation. I agree with you that the places on the highway where there is an off ramp within just a few yards of an on ramp can be very dangerous if we don’t really pay attention to the driver coming on. Thank you 1:11

[@radellaf]

There were two of those on my commute. One is too short to either merge on OR off safely. Eventually they did road construction and enlarged it after all the accidents that were happening.

[@MichelleLM88]

3:46 see that right there is my problem in my area. They don't maintain their speed on the highway. I've literally had some of them slam on their brakes and honk at me even though I haven't even moved over or anything I'm just signaling and trying to yield to them because they are already on the road

[@jjbud3124]

The very worst thing is to get behind someone scared to enter traffic. It messes everyone up behind them who now are going too slow to enter the highway. Hate it when that happens. I've rarely had difficulty other than that.

[@AMejia-gc9yu]

It’s sad how many people don’t understand these basics things. Anyway thank you for sharing.

[@DerrMan009]

“We don’t wanna stop cause we don’t wanna get rear ended by someone behind us, that’s INSANE” 😂I died laughing at this part but you are speaking the truth !

[@ryanthefanguy9060]

This video was very helpful as a new driver. I might go when there’s not enough traffic

[@ritheshmanikandan6006]

a LOT of people don't do this in south FL. Especially them semis who think they have a God given right to the lane and then they accelerate. Drives me bonkers behind them because I have to move one more lane left to fully accelerate and the rest of traffic moves over left and that is where one wrong move by one driver can ruin it for everyone.

[@sphaera3809]

Thank you for this video! Sharing with my family’s young drivers. Dense highways in the northeast can be very intimidating for young drivers…

[@argonsparrow]

Thanks for the video--definitely something I was anxious about when I was learning how to drive (fortunately I got comfortable quick!). Nice Type R too bro

[@DonDeLem]

I love when you upload videos like this. Despite knowing how to do this and already having a license, I've never driven on a highway! I haven't driven since getting my license but I very much enjoy these educational vids. One of my favorites is when you spoke on why American highways are dangerous

[@ProgWork1]

"I know how to do this." -- Somebody a minute ago... in his last words.

[@DonDeLem]

@@ProgWork1 - 😂

[@nsm1091]

I am from Pakistan , came to US few times and has the option to drive , really enjoyed the discipline of the traffic . I normally watch tedward channel , which reminds me of those good times to drive in US. Good job man .,

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Thank you for this video, refreshing to see people who are conscious of freeway etiquette.

[@misterskippy2u]

Good tip about watching the driver in the right lane before moving from the left to the middle lane. Defensive driving.

[@TomSnyder-gx5ru]

I agree, that's what I always do in that situation.

[@mscm4592]

They are actually acceleration lanes (on ramps) and deceleration lanes (off ramps). Yes, they are to facilitate merges and exits, but they are built to allow you headspace to get up to speed of traffic and to allow you headspace to reduce your speed coming off the highway. When com8ng onto the highway, it is YOUR responsibility to have you vehicle at highway speed (or speed of traffic) BEFORE you merge. And, when exiting a highway, you should not reduce your speed UNTIL YOUR VEHICLE IS FULLY IN THE DECELERATION LANE. So many drivers begin slowing while still on the highway.

[@manzelli1981]

This video is way more restrained, informative, and less colorful than when I “explain” merging to the other cars rocketing off of I-95 in Massachusetts.

[@acalthu]

When I first landed in Freedom Land 15 years ago, I was deathly afraid of the no 19 highway in Georgia. It allowed me to get to the office in 5 minutes flat, but I usually took the long way around which was an additional 10-15 minutes.

[@DeeSock]

My nightmare is a bunch of angry traffic all tailgating each other in lane I try to merge into even if use entire merge lane, and indicate, and match speed, and try find driver who might leave a bigger gap, and avoid the more dangerous slip roads. The only way to merge in this nightmare without stopping is some degree of, presumably illegal, tailgating or cutting off which feels uncomfortable. I typically try to squeeze in and gradually reduce speed to lower risk. Better than stopping I guess but I do wonder if there is an even better way

[@hotjanuary]

What I do, is when I’m in the curve, I check the traffic situation and see the cluster of tailgaters. Then I time my speed as the curve turns straight so that by the time I reach the merge speed, I am behind the cluster. Though if you’re approaching rush hour, you might be out of luck.

[@DeeSock]

@@hotjanuary thank you; very early speed adjustment does help sometimes. I also try to leave a gap from traffic in front of me in the merge lane which seems to help too

[@DriveNRoam]

Some merging lanes in the US are just way too short, and sometimes the lanes just merge without a clear sign or indication, which is dangerous since the drivers may not expect that. In Germany/Netherlands and where I am from (Hong Kong), they always have very clear signs on the side and markings on the ground to let you know when two lane merge or a lane disappears.

[@radellaf]

NC is the home of disappearing right lanes. Rarely for any discernable reason, and hardly ever without any indication. You cruise in the right lane at your own peril.

[@DriveNRoam]

@@radellaf yea, it makes no sense at all, especially in the city. Moreover, usually it should be the left lane that disappear if one lane has to gone, because 1. That’s the overtaking lane anyways, cars should never stay there to cruise. 2. Only smaller cars drive on the left lane, and switching lanes is easy for them, a disappearing right lane means trucks have to all switch one lane left, and it’s way harder for trucks to switch one lane left. Despite being a “car country”, US really have many freeway designs and rules that make zero sense at all.

[@radellaf]

@@DriveNRoam Totally. Left lane going away seems rare. Suddenly disappearing right lane, usually without warning signs? I really feel for people who aren't familiar with NC highways coming through. I guess if using a map app, it might warn you. Usually.

[@Sampsonay]

I was running across a home depot parking lot when it suddenly began raining hard the other day. That was the one time i regretted parking far away from everyone else lol