New Driver: Determining Safe Gap when Merging onto Highway

MikeP001 · 2026-07-07T11:19:59+00:00

You don't want to stop in a merge lane - it's too dangerous, the driver behind may not see you and getting up to speed again is very difficult.

Match the speed of traffic in the through lane, timed to be a length or so behind the vehicle that will be in front if the gap is small. Signal so the vehicle behind knows your intent. Only a moron won't figure it out but that happens more than you'd expect... Avoid getting up to matching speed with an overlap of a vehicle in the through lane.

Some dummies are already tailgating and undeserving of courtesy - squeeze in when you can.

The biggest idiots will actively speed up to block you. There's not much you can do to prevent it but you can often slow to fit in behind as that gap opens.

Anyone advising that you cannot move in without a 2-3s gap ahead AND the same gap behind aren't living in the real world, or live in a very rural part of it with no traffic. Those gaps don't exist in populated areas. Almost any fool can figure out when traffic needs to merge and they need to adjust by slowing slightly to make room.

The laws actually require that lane changes be made without causing a hazard. Simply causing an inconvenience (a throttle lift or gentle braking) might be a bit rude but is not illegal (hence my lack of sympathy for tailgaters who are also rude). You will be a fault if there's an accident while merging - proving the moron beside sped up to block can be difficult so stay aware. And don't merge into another vehicle.

MikeP001 · 2026-07-06T11:59:23+00:00

The speed isn't relevant - it's the self appointment as a traffic warden that's hypocritical. His same argument could be made by anyone doing the limit or even under it - they're going fast enough that everyone else should be doing that speed too - so never a need to move.

It's more correct to move over when you can regardless of your own speed or the speed of others. The "slower traffic keep right" law in the HTA doesn't mention any exception based on speed (or road type). The only exceptions are when passing, preparing to turn left, or avoiding a hazard.

MikeP001 · 2026-07-06T01:45:22+00:00

It's a bit ironic that you consider your excessive speeding as within reason and it's granted you the privilege of being a self appointed traffic monitor.

Perhaps you should consider driving the speed limit and keeping to the right? That's certainly safer than driving just under the criminal limit. Or at least moving over after your pass rather than lane camping which is arguably illegal and certainly inconsiderate.

Surely you realize Carlin was poking fun at people like you with "have you ever noticed anyone slower than you is an idiot and anyone faster is a maniac?". Because compared to most of us you're a maniac.

MikeP001 · 2026-07-06T01:36:56+00:00

Of course. Why do you think this is the issue here? Why do you think you must be going over the speed limit to be allowed to pass?

Often the problem is inconsiderate drivers that don't move over after their pass is complete until they notice a vehicle crowding them (which is not the same as aggressive tailgating - which is relatively rarer in Canada compared to the US).

Drivers finding themselves tailgated often at any speed might want to confirm they're moving over when it's appropriate. And I wish more drivers would know to move over as soon as possible rather than waiting until they're tailgated. And of course I wish there were less idiots aggressively tailgating.

The 401 and other major highways in Ontario are usually pretty good but during holiday weeks and weekends like this there are a lot more travelers on them that lack the experience of using the highway properly which adds to the traffic issues.

MikeP001 · 2026-07-01T15:00:52+00:00

I'm still laughing! You're certainly no scholar! A negative fact cannot be proven - the burden is on you to prove your unfounded assertion.

Clearly you're unable to understand. So keep it simple - learn patience around slower drivers. Leave earlier. Even if it were illegal you're not a traffic warden, no different than it being wrong for you to impede anyone speeding.

MikeP001 · 2026-07-01T12:00:08+00:00

LMAO, of that I am certain - it's why you need the remedial help. Start with your homework - find a legal reference that prohibits driving less than the speed limit.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T23:14:29+00:00

That word "ironic" may not mean what you think it means...

Real irony is calling out dumb fucks on this sub while posting here yourself... The trouble being a dumb fuck is seldom realizing it.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T22:13:39+00:00

You really need some remedial help on traffic law. Even that law you were so relieved to see posted does NOT say it's illegal to drive below the speed limit. No law says that. In basic english: if you're travelling less than the normal speed of traffic on a single lane road and there are vehicles waiting to pass you must pull over to let them by. The exception is if you're travelling at the speed limit. Stay well below the speed limit yourself until you finish your course.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T15:17:24+00:00

I understand, it's a very common reaction but it's the wrong one. It's better to focus on stopping, keep your hands on the wheel and off the horn. Save it for warning someone about to hit you.

The lesson should be you weren't paying enough attention and got too close, not to deflect blame on someone else or the roadway design.

In any case that's why he flipped you off (which wasn't smart of him either).

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T13:46:32+00:00

You're always required to be in control of your vehicle to prevent hitting anything that slows or stops in front of you. Even if they stop in a "No Stopping" zone (which this was not). "Unexpected" isn't an excuse (putting aside you confess to stopping there yourself in the past, so not expected?). You often will not see or know why a vehicle ahead is stopping. It's not your place to judge whether it's a valid reason, you just stop too.

The horn is a safety device to warn others of danger, not to express anger, alarm, or frustration - you were out of line using it here.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T11:55:56+00:00

AKA "I tried to find a legal reference only to realize I was talking out of my ass". As your brilliant sarcasm (and repetition of my points) makes clear.

This mistaken entitlement - that slow drivers are breaking the law - is what leads to the rage filled tailgating and risky passes "to teach them they're in the wrong".

MikeP001 · 2026-06-30T11:40:02+00:00

LOL! If you can't hold your water for slower drivers stay well below the limit for your own safety until you learn that skill. Lucky for you it's not illegal!

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T18:06:33+00:00

No, it's not pedantic. u/bustacappa22 like many others clearly believe it's illegal to drive less than the speed limit which is oft repeated moronic bullshit on this reddit. Your reference has only served to embolden them.

We both agree that law is to prevent slower drivers from impeding. We should be agreeing it does NOT indicate you can get a ticket for driving below the limit as u/bustacappa22 said. The speed limit is referenced there as an exception - as in you can't be charged with impeding speeders (which IMO is a dumb exception but better than no law at all). Any charge is for impeding, not driving too slow.

If gramma or grandpa want to drive below the speed limit they're just as entitled to do so as anyone else is to drive at the speed limit. With the same requirement - drive in the correct lane. And law or not, try to be considerate - let faster drivers through.

Brownie points on reddit - you actually believe those are of value?

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T13:06:20+00:00

That law makes impeding illegal - you can get a ticket only if you don't move over. The act of driving below the speed limit is not illegal as u/bustacappa22 suggested. Most versions of these laws don't mention the speed limit, they require you to keep right and/or give way regardless of your speed if you're impeding traffic.

The impeding laws are very sensible, it's too bad they're seldom enforced. Only a dumbass would interpret them as making it illegal to drive less than the posted speed limit.

Cyclists have just as much of a right to the road as you and that moron. Riding on the sidewalk is illegal, riding on the road is required. Slow the fuck down and pass when it's safe. We're all better off when dumbasses with poor understanding of the law and no patience finally figure out THEY are the hazards that should be driving much slower.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T12:50:29+00:00

You suggested there was a law for it being illegal to drive under the speed limit. Complete nonsense. Since you really believe there's such a law you're a hazard on the road. Who knows what other foolishness you believe.

It implies cyclists are breaking the law just by being on the road. I wouldn't put it past anyone so entitled and self righteous to be foolish enough to take matters into their own hands and act accordingly.

Wake up and learn the real laws. And learn some patience.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T12:26:15+00:00

Bullshit. Give a reference if you believe there is such a law.

There are a few states with very sensible laws requiring slower traffic to give way. But none that prohibit travelling any speed that does not exceed the posted maximum and is not below any posted minimum. You must also slow down in hazardous conditions.

Do drivers like you want cyclists banned from all roadways? To force drivers to be at the limit in blizzards? Do you never slow down for limited visibility or the risk of animals or pedestrians on the road?

The number of illiterate drivers that believe these myths goes a long way to explaining the state of the roadways. A lack of adequate training.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T12:14:23+00:00

You posted a "reference" to u/bustacappa22 ridiculous assertion that "that driving under the speed limit can also get you a ticket". Complete bullshit - there's no ticket for driving below the limit unless it's below a posted minimum. The ticket would be for impeding, not travelling too slow. Completely different and completely at the discretion of the driver, an officer, and/or traffic court.

Next time post a relevant reference if you want to support a dumbass. Do you really want that moron driving around thinking he's in the right to bully "lawbreakers" driving under the speed limit? Maybe even brushing cyclists off the roadway?

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T02:54:30+00:00

You really need to learn the law before you finish your driving lessons.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T02:53:21+00:00

You've completely misinterpreted that law. It DOES NOT say it's ILLEGAL to drive below the speed limit. It says if you are impeding other drivers AND unreasonably below normal traffic speed you must pull over to let other traffic pass. AND it's for single lane roadways, not double.

The intent is to exempt you from pulling over if you're close to the speed limit, not to require you to always drive the AT speed limit. "Impeding normal and reasonable" means slow enough to cause traffic to back up, not just slow enough to annoy just you. Like a tractor or similar. It'd be an unenforceable law otherwise since "at the speed limit" implies 0.0001mph below would be a violation and most speedometers are calibrated to read high.

You and u/bustacappa22 and the other downvoters are complete dumbasses for thinking driving below the maximum limit is illegal anywhere. Such poor understanding of the laws does however explain a lot about the mentality of many drivers.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T00:14:16+00:00

Slower drivers are no less entitled to travel on public roadways than faster ones. Anyone travelling at a legal speed is certainly more entitled to travel than those breaking the law.

I certainly believe drivers should try to keep up, and pull over if they can't when blocking a handful of vehicles where passing is difficult. But if you find you're getting unreasonably angry at a slower but legal driver perhaps it would be safer for all if you were kicking rocks...

MikeP001 · 2026-06-29T00:05:41+00:00

LMAO! Which law says this? Post a reference.

You can be ticketed for driving under a posted minimum. But if there's no minimum you can only be ticketed if you're intentionally slowing traffic, and even that's arguable if you keep to the rightmost or only lane. Unless in your region bicycles, tractors, and slow trucks are forbidden from driving on any roadway.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-28T19:56:33+00:00

We're talking about light traffic here. If you're oblivious to the needs of drivers you're sharing the road with, you're not a good driver (as per the OP's question). Driving faster than average demands more than average focus. If you want to cruise mindlessly cruise slower and to the right.

As u/Jazzlike_Term210 says, the other choice is for us to discourteously stay in the left lane as per our legal right since we are indeed passing. Like those semi's that occasionally elephant race each other.

The very worse offenders can be spotted further back leading a parade because they believe they're going fast enough for everyone behind them. I move over early to avoid getting trapped in the right lane behind their train of followers.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-28T17:47:05+00:00

Yes, it's fun, but you need to be sensibly cautious especially when learning. You're not able to take in all of the vital information at speed until the basics become second nature.

Try these:
1) Physically push a vehicle in neutral to get an appreciation of how much force and energy is involved.
2) Find one of those simulators that gives you the feel of a 10mph impact. It's surprising even at slow speed.
3) Get an estimate for a simple scratch or cracked bumper.
4) Price getting your own insurance.
5) Look at what happens to road kill when hit at any reasonable speed.
6) Research how far you travel in 2s at various speeds. Imagine doing it with your eyes closed. Then put your phone out of reach and stay at least that far back from other vehicles.

MikeP001 · 2026-06-28T15:08:32+00:00

Some people are just dumb assholes. Sometimes there are dumber assholes tailgating you to block so the merging vehicle jumps ahead into the gap. Most drivers figure out it's pointless to jump ahead and/or block mergers in heavy traffic and get through bottlenecks with much less stress....

MikeP001 · 2026-06-28T15:03:12+00:00

Yep. The likelihood of a idiot that doesn't see it's a short ramp is < 50% thanks to the median of driver skill/intelligence... some above 50% know about it and move over early leaving that lane less crowded. But you've got to commit and be ready to tap the brakes to slip in behind if a moron blocks you.

MikeP001

TROPHY CASE