While you may think letting the person next to you cut in early is the polite way to act on the road, you’re actually contributing to the traffic problem.

According to experts, in order to keep the flow of cars moving smoothly, people must use the “Zipper Merge,” which is more efficient. They say this method encourages drivers to merge late, with vehicles flowing in like the “teeth” on a zipper.

Officials at the Colorado Department of Transportation note that the method can reduce traffic delays up to 40 percent. Cars.com even produced a video demonstrating how to properly use the “Zipper Merge” which you can watch above.

There is still plenty of travel time this summer and more than enough construction zones out there for you to try the “Zipper Merge” and get good at it. Will you use this method next time you come upon construction?

By: Buck Stevens