Question: On freeways, it seems to be increasingly dangerous to be in the rightmost lane, because people on entrance ramps frequently push their way into traffic at much lower speeds. I was taught to match the prevailing speed and yield right-of-way when merging. What is the law?
Answer: Drivers need to avoid disrupting traffic flow or "cutting off" other drivers when merging. Try to adjust your speed to accommodate vehicles already on the freeway, and you must yield to other vehicles when you are merging.
Drivers should use their turn signal to let other drivers know your intention, watch for an opening in the nearest traffic lane and merge into the flow of traffic when able to do so. Do not stop on the ramp or in the acceleration lane unless it is necessary.
When an acceleration lane is not available, and a "Yield" sign is posted on the entry ramp, obey the sign. Stop, if it is necessary and do not force your way into the lane of traffic.
If drivers are in the right lane on the freeway and merging traffic wants and needs to enter, please move to the left lane, if safe to do so, and let merging traffic from the entrance ramp safely enter.
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It is often necessary to change lanes in order to make a turn, merge with other traffic, or to perform other driving activities. Lane changing can be dangerous and must be done with caution. Drivers should have safe clearance to the side, behind, and ahead of the vehicle, before moving into another lane. Drivers should turn their head in the direction of the lane they are moving into and check for vehicles. If a driver relies only on mirrors, they may not see vehicles in certain positions, known as "blind spots."
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle where a driver's view is obstructed. Factors such as dirty windshields and glaring lights can also create temporary blind spots. It is important to know the location of blind spots to avoid a crash. Avoid driving in other drivers' blind spots. Be particularly conscious of blind spots when driving near commercial vehicles.
We can all do our part in reducing crashes, by sharing the road, obeying all traffic laws and being courteous to other drivers.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN, 55811; on Twitter @MSPPIO_NE; or by email at neil.dickenson@state.mn.us .
