More than three out of five Queensland drivers don’t understand how to merge correctly and many of us forego a thank you wave, according to new research by NRMA Insurance*.
The results also showed that both sexes were almost equally as likely to misinterpret the rules, while younger drivers aged between 25 and 34 years were most up-to-date on merging do’s and don’ts.
NRMA Insurance Queensland State Manager Brett Robinson said the survey showed most drivers needed to refresh their understanding of merging rules as well as brush up on simple driver etiquette.
“While most of us don’t get a thank you wave when we let someone in while merging, it was encouraging to learn that nearly 25 per cent of Queensland drivers said they often or always received a wave from other drivers,” he said.
Drivers need to keep two basic rules in mind when attempting to merge. When two lines of traffic become one and there are no lane markings, a driver must give way to any car that is ahead of their own. However, if a car wants to move from one marked lane of traffic into another, they must give way to the lane of traffic they’re moving into.
NRMA Insurance claims data indicates there are more than 250 merging-related collisions a month in Queensland, with merging-related damage costing about 20 per cent more to repair than average repair costs.**
Mr Robinson said drivers who tried to merge with traffic while travelling too slowly posed a real risk to other motorists.
“Drivers need to merge at a similar speed as the traffic they are merging with. Not only does this make merging easier, it assists traffic flow and improves driver safety,” he said. “Similarly, when exiting roads such as a motorway, drivers shouldn’t slow down too early and should give other drivers plenty of notice.”
Though not an official road rule, it’s clear too, that being courteous to other drivers when merging and changing lanes also helps all drivers move through the traffic safely to reduce the risk of a collision.
| According to Australian Road Rules the correct rules for merging and lane changing are as follows: | |
|---|---|
Giving way when lines of traffic merge into a single line of trafficA driver in a line of traffic that is merging with one or more lines of traffic travelling in the same direction as the driver must give way to a vehicle in another line of traffic if any part of the vehicle is ahead of the driver’s vehicle.*** |
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Giving way when moving from one marked lane or line of traffic to another marked lane or line of trafficA driver on a multi-lane road who is moving from one marked lane (whether or not the lane is ending) to another marked lane must give way to any vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver in the marked lane to which the driver is moving.*** |
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*Research undertaken by Woolcott Research, September 2007, amongst a
representative and statistically valid sample of 720 Australians aged 17+.
**Based on NRMA Insurance Motor Comprehensive Claims data from 2004–07.
*** The Australian Road Rules
