M1 Merging Fun

MarkAnthony

So this is the second time it's happened to me on the M1 merge coming out from the airport. If I wasn't such a luddite I'd post a google map link but I don't know how; I just always seem to link google maps itself. Anyway many of you know where I mean, you come down the slip, left for M50, right lane for M1 when you get onto the M1 City bound there's 3 different lanes to be in for (IIRC) Belfast, Malahide, and City.

Okay so today:

Coming on to the M1 lane is clear so I indicate right and pull across. As I'm doing this someone pulls level with me indicates left and tries to join the same lane. Who has right of way?

The last time:

Already on the motorway, attempting to get across to lane 3/4 for City, indicate right to pull in, someone in the outside lane tries to join the same lane. Who has right of way?

Now in both instances all was grand with me slowing down a bit and letting people merge in. I'm just curious if there was an accident - is it 50/50? Not a great driver myself so if we could keep the flaming to a minimum as this is a genuine question.

Jesus.

Good question. Is it the old adage of give way to traffic on your left?

Doubt it

ardmacha

Jesus. wrote: »

Good question. Is it the old adage of give way to traffic on your left?

Doubt it

What adage would that be? In what country?

bear1

You have to give way to traffic from the right. Not left.

Jesus.

WTF? So on the Continent they give way to the left???

MarkAnthony

I always assumed that was roundabouts but it's at all times?

Makes sense, thanks folks!

Jesus.

No problem Marco. Always happy to impart my knowledge

landmarkjohn

By my reckoning on a merge situation when everything else is equal the car "in front" has right of way.... "in front" can be anything from a car length to 6" of bumper.

Don't get me wrong, on a slow merge it is polite and correct IMO to merge alternatively but we all have our own little rules :-)

antodeco

Is merging not a rule of the road? I though the car on the main roads had to let cars merging join, a not like closing a zip? One by one.

rubberdiddies

antodeco wrote: »

Is merging not a rule of the road? I though the car on the main roads had to let cars merging join, a not like closing a zip? One by one.

I think this thread highlights the problem we have in this country. Many if us don't actually know the answer to this. I have always out this down to the fact that learner drivers aren't allowed on motorways.

My understanding has always been that the car merging onto a motorway has to effectively give priority to a car already on the motorway.

Again I could be wrong but it's what I've always believed. Not always practical but there you have it

OldMrBrennan83

This post has been deleted.

Stheno

MarkAnthony wrote: »

So this is the second time it's happened to me on the M1 merge coming out from the airport. If I wasn't such a luddite I'd post a google map link but I don't know how; I just always seem to link google maps itself. Anyway many of you know where I mean, you come down the slip, left for M50, right lane for M1 when you get onto the M1 City bound there's 3 different lanes to be in for (IIRC) Belfast, Malahide, and City

do you mean going southbound in the m1 with five lanes? Two for m50 one for malahide and two for city centre/tunnel?

I'd follow the rule of giving way to traffic on the right

Chimichangas

Stheno wrote: »

do you mean going southbound in the m1 with five lanes? Two for m50 one for malahide and two for city centre/tunnel?

I'd follow the rule of giving way to traffic on the right

I think he means going northbound.

Not sure if we are supposed to yield always to the right, on a merging road.

There is no assuming a right of way, for either lane(s).

Firstly when merging, you should have your indicator on to indicate if you are going left or right. Usually the car on the main road should be able to see more of the traffic behind and make a judgement as to continue on their straight line,or brake to make space or move into an outer lane to let the inner car merge in front or behind.



I always thought you should drive in a manner to keep traffic flowing, with out causing accidents or being a danger to anyone.
So that means letting a car out if its slightly ahead, or staying behind if you are slightly behind. Not thinking the car in front did it, and I am tailgating so close I better do it too...

But I think there are serious problems in this country when it comes to motorway driving. And the nonsense that people seem to think they can pull off and get away with on a motorway.

MarkAnthony

From the Airport to City so I think that's southbound on the M1. I realise Belfast and Malahide are Northbound. What direction you're heading after the Airport I dunno but the outer lanes head back into the city.

I agree on merging and giving way, I always do, but the lane was clear when I started moving into it. The second time I was already on the motorway.

visual

MarkAnthony wrote: »

From the Airport to City so I think that's southbound on the M1. I realise Belfast and Malahide are Northbound. What direction you're heading after the Airport I dunno but the outer lanes head back into the city.

I agree on merging and giving way, I always do, but the lane was clear when I started moving into it. The second time I was already on the motorway.

Basic rules apply drive on left give way to traffic on right. Applies to all roads including motorways and lanes on motorways

Jesus.

visual wrote: »

Basic rules apply drive on left give way to traffic on right. Applies to all roads including motorways and lanes on motorways

So if you're in lane 1 and someone else is in lane 3 and you both attempt to enter lane 2 at the same time, you should give way to the other chap?

bear1

Jesus. wrote: »

WTF? So on the Continent they give way to the left???

No, they give way to the right.

Jesus.

bear1 wrote: »

No, they give way to the right.

Forget it. I was lost after the first 3 or 4 posts

challengemaster

Cars already on the road have right of way. Always.