Romania to Implement "Zipper Rule" in Traffic Laws
In Romania, a new proposal for a traffic rule, dubbed the "zipper rule," is waiting for a vote in the Chamber of Deputies after being tacitly adopted by the Senate, according to Biziday.ro. This rule is designed to minimize congestion on roads by requiring drivers to alternate their entry into a single lane when two lanes merge into one, creating a zipper-like pattern.
When faced with an obstacle, narrowing, or other issues on a multi-lane road, drivers in the adjacent lane will be required to let vehicles from the affected lane merge, one at a time, in an alternating pattern. This move mirrors the way teeth on a zipper fit together seamlessly. If approved, violations of the zipper rule will result in a Class I fine, equivalent to 2 or 3 penalty points.
Supporters of the zipper rule argue that it would smooth out traffic merges, similar to the successes seen in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. By ensuring a fair and predictable merging process, traffic flow becomes more efficient and safer. The zipper rule intends to eliminate long backups and chaotic scenes caused by one lane hogging the merge.
While the rule itself may not present a significant safety issue, its violation could wreak havoc on traffic flow. Adopting the zipper rule and penalizing violations in proportion to the disrupted traffic is considered essential, say proponents, without treating it as a severe offense. The Senate approved the measure tacitly, and the final decision now lies with the Chamber of Deputies.
Keep in mind, this simple tweak could significantly improve driving conditions on roads with merges, potentially reducing congestion and downright making your daily commute a less frustrating experience.
Sources
- Irina Marica. Romania's "zipper rule" for roads awaits vote to ease congestion, become law. Biziday.ro, Accessed June 26, 2023
- Zipper Merge: Helping Traffic Flow. FHWA Safe System Accessed June 26, 2023
- Zipper Merge. Sciencing.com Accessed June 26, 2023
The zipper rule, if approved, could lead to heftier fines inRomania's finance system, equivalent to Class I penalties, as violations significantly disrupt traffic flow in the transportation sector. Proponents suggest that the implementation of this rule in industries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Slovakia has resulted in smoother traffic merges and improved overall safety.
