A Message To Michigan Drivers Who Try To Block Others From Mergin

One of the biggest struggles for Michigan drivers is the seemingly neverending construction season that seems to run from March to late November (if not longer) every year. Compounding that problem is the fact that Zipper Merging seems to be an inherently difficult concept for Michigan drivers.

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Does the state of Michigan know how to Zipper Merge?

I'm unsure why Michigan drivers have such problems with the concept, but occasionally the stubbornness of some Michigan drivers causes MAJOR PROBLEMS like a recent backup that lasted for hours on I-96 between Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Can you block a lane when merging in Michigan?

In the pics below, from a Michigan motorist stuck in the recent I-96 backup, you can see that some decided to play 'ROAD COP' and block the left lane for traffic rather than allowing those behind them to Zipper Merge.

Drivers On I-96 Resort To Using Shoulder During A Traffic Backup | Jason Vanderstelt | Facebook

The Driver In This Silver SUV attempts to block traffic on I-96 | Jason Vanderstelt | Facebook

With nearly a mile to go before the merge point on I-96 this driver has completely blocked the left lane. | Jason Vanderstelt | Facebook

Can you get a ticket for blocking a lane in Michigan?

Not using both lanes of traffic while merging is one of the biggest contributors to traffic congestion in construction zones and yes, it is also ILLEGAL not to mention dangerous. In fact, inside the same backup pictured above, another motorist noted a crash into the median likely caused by impatient drivers unable to merge.

A vehicle crashed into the barrier on a backup on I-96 | Jodi Kay | Facebook

One comment on the social media posts laments that we've been trying to get Michigan drivers to understand this concept for YEARS:

Literally no one understands the zipper merge, and when you bring it to their attention they treat it like it’s some kind of foreign concept set to wreak havoc on their place in line! It’s insane! Best to just back up the entire highway and block exits!! -Dan Nugent