Highway mergers are dangerous and unpredictable. Often two lanes merge into one with little notice- sometimes they merge to the right, sometimes to the left, and sometimes even to the middle! With no warning beyond a yellow "merge" sign that is either missing, masked or too little, too late.
Why not indicate a merge is approaching by replacing the dashed straight lane markers with an angled painted line? The angle indicates the merge direction, and they can begin a few thousand feet down the highway giving motorists plenty of warning. Best of all, the cost would be low since an angle lane marker can be sprayed by existing equipment with minor changes in the paint head.
I have tried lobbying local and federal highway officials- if interested, see their response at
http://www.atssa.com/pubinfo/downloads/12502.PDF
Anyone know a Senator on the right committee in Washington?
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Changing indicators won't have any affect on people too busy talking on the cell phone while eating breakfast and applying make-up/shaving to pay attention anyway.
GREAT idea!Patronizing reply from the FHA. Duh.Today, it's all about $afety with a dollar sign. -sigh-I say you submit this idea to the various agencies listed in your (excuse filled) return letter. Then post the reply's here.Having worked 8 yrs. at a civil engineering firm, I can tell you nothing will change unless people like you share these kinds of safety design ideas.Go for it!
Thanks for the support. Since ideas on Whynot eventually sink under the weight of new submissions, I expanded the comments (with graphics) and placed on my web site.
See http://www.genuineideas.com/HallofInventions/mergerlanes.htm