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I did not see that much swerving until about ten years ago. While I do understand it in rush hour to change lanes, drivers commonly do it when they can gradually change lanes. Swerving stresses the car, increased the chances of a collision, frankly makes me wonder about the driver's sanity.

Why?

I suspect it's due to an increase in distracted drivers - you know, those idiots who drive while dialing/talking/texting.

Swerving pretty much eliminates any chances of avoiding a collision with someone on the other side of the freeway that is merging into the same lane at the same time. How many times have you or the other driver caught this because you were merging slowly and all the while checking your blindspot?

I think swerving wildly is done to make a statement: "This lane is MINE!"

I think swerving wildly is done to make a statement: "This lane is MINE!"

I agree. I've noticed if I need to change lanes, see a decent gap, signal, wait a mo., then gradually move into that other lane:

It's very common for the car at the back of that "decent gap" to wake up, get territorial, and start closing up the gap. I usually just keep on with my slow-and-steady merge, hoping the guy will realize he's going psycho over a little real estate.

There was an interested thread in the last year, a guy (Seattle) made a little movie to illustrate his theory: he intentionally left a generous gap in front. If people wanted to merge into it, so be it. He found:

1. Made it much easier for everyone needing to change lanes.

2. Got the lane jumpers out of your hair.

3. It was contagious, and reduced bog-downs in traffic, for everyone.