Letter: Sudburians don’t understand ‘zipper effect’

As I drive around Sudbury, I notice that there is the usual construction going on (it is that time of the year). As a result, the vehicles driving through the construction are allowed to use only one lane.

As usual, (and this is what never fails to happen), there is this very long line of vehicles in one lane, extending way down the road.

For some unknown reason, the drivers of these vehicles, will not occupy the two lanes and use the zipper effect when approaching the section of the road where it is down to one lane.

These drivers (and only in Sudbury I have seen this happening) instead insist on occupying one lane, even though they are blocking the traffic that wants to merge from the side streets or from driveways.

Added to this, if a driver caught in this scenario decides not to join the long line of vehicles, and goes into the other lane with the intention of using the zipper effect one would think the driver is committing a grave offence.

Therefore the driver is not allowed to merge into the lane with the long line of vehicles. It appears the driver trying to use the zipper system (a system that makes the most sense) is being punished.

I have noticed this scenario not only with drivers but also with people waiting in lines. I have seen this happening in Costco with the people waiting in the lines to cash out.

They insist in forming one very, very, long line at one cashier, as opposed to using the other cashiers, where the lines are shorter. I tell you, it is unbelievable.

I have also noticed that McDonalds have found it necessary to put up a sign that reads “Please use the shortest line” in their drive thru. One would think it is just basic common sense to use the shortest line.

I can only assume the reason for this is because my fellow Sudburians are very polite. But then again, there’s such a thing as being too polite.

S Morris
Sudbury