Short Stuff: The Zipper Merge

In this episode, Josh and Chuck tackle the surprisingly contentious topic of highway merging, specifically diving deep into the science and psychology behind the "zipper merge." They explain why staying in a closing lane until the last possible moment and alternating with cars from the through lane is actually the most efficient way to handle construction zones, and why Americans stubbornly refuse to do it. The hosts discuss how road rage, cultural attitudes about fairness and line-jumping, and sheer habit all contribute to the traffic jams we create ourselves, while also sharing how some states are using signage campaigns to educate drivers about the proper merge technique.