More likely you’re not taking it seriously enough, but whatever.

I said “basically” to imply it was being stated in a simplistic manner for expediency. The article I linked to gave the full story, and I’d rather they read that along with proof it provided. You’re nit-picking, which isn’t surprising considering your other responses.

To prevent further troll responses, I’ve got an unexpected few minutes so I’ll try to reply.

1. Once again you’re ignoring context. Zipper merging is not significantly more effective at reducing any sort of backup at full speed than other methods. You are essentially saying the same thing I did — whether you just weren’t keeping the full context in mind, or you treated it separately just so you could be argumentative is something only you can say.
2. Once again, ignoring context. I was obviously referring to what those PAST the exit could do to help those behind them. The traffic is needlessly stopped by the inconsistent response to the merge - if both lanes kept going at a slightly reduced speed (mainly for safety) and spaced themselves appropriately in the leadup to the merge itself, then they could easily merge without stopping. Once again, you’re seemingly basing your argument upon the concept of a stoppage — the very thing zipper merging is designed to avoid.
3. Wow, what a fucking assumption. Even if those other routes were that underutilized (exceedingly unlikely), they won’t be for long with the amount of traffic you’d quickly fill them with. They would likely be “underutilized” for a reason, or people would be using them - especially the locals would would actually benefit the most from taking that exit and who likely would already be doing so if it were normally more beneficial.
4. It’s “inevitable” mainly because of the inconsistent response of those involved. Once the motoring public at large understands the method and utilizes it, the only way it doesn’t minimize the likelihood of a stoppage is if the roadway is at full capacity already - not impossible, but it’d be bad planning by traffic control to have required that merge at times when that would be the case, which is a different problem entirely.

Now, with this troll-induced (not you) response complete, I’m done with this.

Well, how can I possibly argue with a mature and obviously impeccably spot-on response like that?

🙄

ETA: Here’s the response you prompted (which proves you wrong as well), goodbye.

I actually have that 1MM+ as a professional driver - you’re wrong, but too stubborn to admit it. I’m too tired to bother arguing with you - especially since I’ve got some more of that same work to do in the morning. I’m done. Gnite.

Might wanna skim the comments before commenting next time - particularly the top vote-getters.

Hey, don’t shame!

You’ve got urine in your testes? That sounds bad…

Welp, now you have your mission purpose in life.

https://arstechnica.com/cars/2014/07/the-beauty-of-zipper-merging-or-why-you-should-drive-ruder/

I’d say a fair amount to have at least some idea that they’re doing things they really shouldn’t, but just DGAF. It feels like the majority of the populace have become significantly more selfish over the years, but will never admit that to themselves - let alone anyone else. It’s the dog-eat-dog mindset inching towards its inevitable end.

Yeah, it would take a concerted, long-running campaign to reeducate drivers on the topic, as well as a nearly unified backing from those in a position to deliver it. Considering how political issues have been going downhill for so long that we’ve effectively sunk well past unheard of new lows, I’m not holding my breath on that one even though it really shouldn’t matter that much to them to be worth fighting over.

That’s a training issue more than anything else. People have never been taught how to merge well, and so inevitably everybody has their own “camp” when it comes to best practices. Those who complain about “fairness” typically have a more myopic view than those who take “the big picture” into account (or they have a faulty “big picture” in mind). I’ll grant that a good number of those “cheaters” are indeed just being selfish pricks, but statistics still show that zipper merging is best in the end. Far too many people care more about their illogical feelings than the facts, tho.

1. The article actually mentions zipper merging isn’t as effective at full speed.

2. People utilizing the closing lane up to the end frees up space at the rear, which allows more people who can take advantage of an exit shortly beforehand to actually do so.

3. Your stated ideal of closing the lane from the prior exit onwards isn’t practical if said exit isn’t within a reasonably short range. Never mind you’d definitely increase the number of people needlessly exiting and causing further problems on several other local roads, thereby expanding the impact rather than reducing it.

4. Your premise also seems to be built upon the notion of stopped traffic rather than just a forced merging into fewer (or one) lanes where traffic still can flow reasonably well once past the merge point.

I’m assuming Factorio is a factory simulation, and that would involve mechanical & physical concerns, but that’s much more consistent than the wide variety of human responses and actions in such situations.

“Strictly” - nice putting words in my mouth.

I’d love to be there when reality finally comes for you, too. In the meantime, this arguing with someone who obviously prefers to pretend the bad stuff going on isn’t actually a major issue is obviously pointless. Good day.

Loyalty is a political ideal, so by that logic the post should go as well. And yes, being stuck in the “third world shithole” that he’s made of America DOES permeate everything in our lives. You’re not superior for pretending otherwise.

“Less than nothing to do with him,” my derriere - must be nice to be so disassociated with reality.

Am I wrong? TFB about your *disappointment" - I’m more loyal to known facts & truths than I’ll ever be to any human demanding the opposite. Never mind avoiding reality is only allowing it to continue getting worse.

I mean, the link is BLATANT! How you could think the link wouldn’t be the first thought for most people says more about your avoidance of things you don’t want to talk about than anything else.

Who needs the actual railways, amirite?

That implies taking the time to appreciate its finer qualities. I’d say it’s more like feeding time at the trough.

Works really well when the nearest station is over a dozen miles away from your home, and you’ve got a full load of shopping bags with you.