If it's a lane closure, yes, you zipper merge at the end-- imo, because you need visual confirmation of what's happening but also because it's predictable and usually both lanes are already matching speeds and zipper merging ahead of you. There's no need to complicate things with an early swap. Granted, I rarely see a lane closure warning more than 100 meters, if at all... in my tiny car, the best indicator that we're merging is sudden lane changes of everyone in front of me.

Where I draw the line is when there's an exit only lane on a freeway and people are zooming along and suddenly want in. Did they jump into that lane just to get ahead? Or are they a helpless victim of circumstance from the latest onramp and unable to merge until now? I let them in, but I'm usually bitter about it.

Zipper Merge

I don't understand people like this. There are two lanes. Use them. If everyone merges into one lane over two miles it's going to create a HUUGE backup. Use both lanes, zipper merge at the end. Stop being stupid and use your brain instead of your emotions.

Zipper merge you fucking savages

Oh they read it, that's why they're there. It's faster.

Upvoting all of OPs posts because you gotta respect the commitment

I think people forget that nobody is racing you. If someone merges into traffic in front of you, theyre not winning and youre not losing. It's all OK. You dont have to be upset.

I remember an article from a certain parody magazine about "the state is introducing the Velcro merge, because majority is to stupid for the zipper merge" and they photoshopped a street sign with cars in random angles honking at each other xD

It's weird when people think getting places fast or first is the point of driving.

"Safe" is the word you're looking for. Then, as fast as safe will calmly allow.