Some States, Not OK, Encourage Drivers To Merge Late

Cutting people off in traffic is often behind what we've come to know as road rage. Now, several states are encouraging drivers to use the so-called zipper merge.

A zipper merge is when drivers wait until the final moments to join a single lane of traffic before construction zones.

Neighboring Kansas is one of eight states encouraging drivers to use it. Several studies point to the benefits of late merging including up to 50 percent shorter lines, a reduction in speeds around construction zones, and less anxiety and frustration for drivers.

But transportation officials in other states, like California, are not convinced by the maneuver.

Experts say the zipper merge only works in high-traffic, low-speed situations.