A zipper merge is a traffic pattern that is supposed to have cars merge into one lane, one after another, when they reach a certain point. In theory, it should reduce congestion and minimize delays, but in practice, it usually does anything but.
Game theory, which studies how people make decisions when competing among others, explains why zipper merges don’t work. (Also, keep in mind that the vast majority of drivers on the road were not taught how to navigate zipper merges in driver’s ed.)
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