Merging vehicles must yield to freeway traffic

Q: Who has the right of way between cars traveling on the outside lane of the freeway and cars coming onto the freeway via on-ramps? It seems like I get "pinched" when driving in the outside lane or coming onto the freeway.

Gary Islam, Arlington

A: Lt. Mark Thomas with the Washington State Patrol said vehicles already in a lane have the right of way, if there are no signs indicating otherwise.

"Typically, when vehicles are merging onto the freeway, there is a merge sign of black on yellow," Thomas said. "This is a warning sign to drivers, not a restrictive sign to be enforced."

We all rely on the courtesy and common sense of other drivers in these situations, Thomas said.

"A driver already on the freeway, having the right of way, still needs to accommodate other merging vehicles. Enforcement against a driver with the right of way would only occur when egregious behavior creates a hazard for others."

Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. Send questions by fax to 425-339-3435; e-mail to newstips@heraldnet.com; or address to Street Smarts, PO Box 930, Everett, WA, 98206. Include your name and phone number.