A game of chicken - Merging in turn

[anonymous-user]

Hi all, I've got a question regarding merging in turn and some recurring incidents I've had in the last month or so. These have been on a variety of merge in turns and not just one particular location.

So my approach is lane 2, selected due to lane 1 having more traffic thus wanting to make reasonable progess. I'd normally select lane 1 if there is no significant benefit to be made with regards to progress.

My merge in turn is as usual, pick a gap and position so that it's clear I'll be taking said gap. My aim is to merge smoothly largely using my accelerator only. Everything is ok up until the merge starts to develop. At this point the 2nd car in lane one closes the gap by moving up effectively being almost, and in some cases, parallel to me as I'm half way into my merge. This then results in a game of chicken at the last minute to see who will yield. Currently I continue on my course and speed and the other car suddenly does a sharp brake and horn simultaneously as if they are suprised at what just occurred.

Question is do I yield in that scenario when I'm already part way through my maneuver or do I accelerate into this small gap and brake making a complete mess of a smooth merge. If neither do I just carry on as I have been, which doesn't seem the best course of action, and let the person next to me get on with whatever stunt they're trying to pull?

[anonymous-user]

Countdown said:

If nobber was closing gap I'd slow and try to merge behind him.(What I've found is that when somebody accelerates to "close the gap" it opens a gap immediately behind them, making it easier to slot in).

It's always best to avoid getting into a willy-waving face-off situation IYSWIM

I think that's the only way to go about it, however when you're 50% over I'm sort of stuck because if I brake the car behind tends to be right up my Jacksie and I wouldn't be surprised if they rear end me. I guess an earlier merge or more assertive positioning before they get a chance would be the safer as well. I understand people making it difficult by closing up the gap but when they go parallel with you at the last minute it's extremely strange behaviour.