Driving in traffic

Queues occur daily in and around cities, especially during rush hour. Proper behavior in a queue makes traffic safer and more efficient for everyone.

The zipper principle

When two lanes merge into one, the zipper principle applies. Every other car from each lane merges:

• Use both lanes fully up to the merging point.
• Let in one car at a time, alternating from each lane.
• Getting into the remaining lane early creates unnecessarily long queues.

Rules for driving in a queue

Right of way in queues

Right-of-way rules apply even in queues. You must give way to pedestrians in crosswalks and to emergency vehicles with blue lights and sirens.

Avoid blocking

• Do not stop on crosswalks, bicycle crossings, or in intersections.
• Leave space for cars turning off or joining from side streets.
• Stay alert even in slow traffic; distractions like mobile phone use are just as dangerous here.

Environment and fuel

Steady speed in a queue is better than constant accelerating and braking. Ease off the gas early instead of braking late, and maintain good flow.

Further reading

• Right of way and intersections
• Driving in built-up areas
• Speed in residential zones
• Driving in roundabouts