Motorists Urged to Use “Zipper Merge” to Improve Road Safety and Traffic Flow

The City of Windsor is encouraging drivers to embrace the zipper merge technique as a proven way to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety during lane closures and construction zones.

The zipper merge — where drivers use both lanes fully until the merge point and then take turns merging — is often misunderstood. Many motorists believe merging early is courteous, but studies show that early merging can lead to longer backups, increased frustration, and higher risk of collisions.

“Using the zipper merge isn’t just smarter, it’s safer,” said David Simpson, Commissioner of Infrastructure Services and City Engineer. “When drivers wait until the designated merge point and alternate like teeth in a zipper, traffic flows more efficiently, and everyone gets where they’re going faster.”

Key Benefits of the Zipper Merge:

• Reduces traffic backups by up to 40%
• Improves safety by minimizing lane switching and sudden stops
• Promotes fairness and reduces road rage

Motorists are reminded to stay alert for signage indicating zipper merge zones and to be courteous to fellow drivers during the merging process.