The problem: What am I supposed to do about cars that enter the freeway in my lane without yielding or signaling? I am tempted to honk my horn, since I have the right of way.
Low road: Send the driver's license plate to the Bad Driver database, stat!
High road: You are correct. Minnesota law requires merging traffic to yield the right of way to those already zipping along on the freeway. And it's always wise to use a turn signal to let other drivers know your intention, even when it might seem obvious to you. This is to protect both drivers from a potentially serious crash.
Sometimes, the process is eased by entry ramps that allow merging drivers to accelerate before moving into traffic. But sometimes, merging drivers are distracted or unaware of the rules of the road. Or maybe they're bullies who don't care. You can honk, of course, but there's no guarantee the message will be read accurately between 4,000-pound steel containers traveling at 70 miles per hour.
So, I ask, does it really matter? Yes, it's annoying, but it's far better to be alive than right. Because you are an alert and diligent driver who is not distracted by any kind of technology, you can keep your eyes on the road. As you approach merging traffic, safely move over a lane — after signaling, of course.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself how lucky you are to be able to experience this sort of daily challenge, instead of much, much bigger ones. Get to your destination safely. And, when you merge, make sure that you yield the right of way to drivers already on the freeway, which will pay karma points down the road.
Send questions about life's little quandaries to gail.rosenblum@startribune.com. Read more of Gail's "High Road" columns at startribune.com/highroad
