Commuting - Where would you go?

On my way back from work, I pass at this intersection pictured. (see attachment)
There are red and blue arrow. Which way would you go? This is a heavily travelled intersection since it's a freeway entrance to the North of the intersection.

I used red path before, but seems a bit dangerous. With blue path, I have to wait until right turn traffic is clear. Drivers do not stop when making right turn as the lane is a separate lane.

Use something like the red path but get out into the thru lane well before the intersection. You can use a mirror to watch for a gap in the traffic to make the move across the lane.

I agree with Andrew, I have a similar intersection I go through on my commute and I get into the thru lane about a bock or 1/2 a block before, depending on traffic.

I also have an identical one and do the same thing as AndrewP and ngateguy. I have never encountered a problem with doing that. It feels like you are hanging it out there but it is safer than the blue route, I think.

I used red, but some idiot honk at me. I know it can be done, I read my DMV driver code :)

Yeah, the red one, but cross to the next lane far in advance.

Exactly what andrew said. But use the blue one as a last resort if traffic is so thick you just can't get over in time.

Red, but if you're going to VC into the left lane then you shouldn't be coming up to the intersection so close to the right shoulder. Take the lane 100 yards or so before you get to the intersection, then merge into the left lane when you can.

What's that blue oval shape on the NE corner? Is that a pool? I'd go there. If you want to go to the white rectangle or keep going West though, yeah, what everyone else said.

As others have said, neither, get into the go straight lane as soon as the right turn lane appears and don't travel in the right turn lane. Very common round here.

Sometimes a go straight lane turns into a right turn lane, in that case become aware of traffic behind you well before that point and find the gap to merge into to go left. You can ride in the center or left side of the lane before it turns into a right turn lane for a bit, you don't have to make a sudden left merge all the way from right side of road to go straight lane - do it in steps. First go to middle, then left side, then cross line to next lane.

Sometimes the right turn lane is an additional lane added, this is usually easier to manage as you dont' need to merge across busy lanes, instead you need to ensure drivers don't merge into you when crossing the place the new lane breaks away. This means moving to the left before the lane breaks off.

Al

Or, take the less-travelled intersection a block to the east. Or west. If one exists, it may be better than any line through the illustrated intersection, even if it adds another half-mile or so to the ride (or, as some would say, especially if it adds another half-mile or so the the ride! ;-)

The point is to consider ALL the options! ;-) If you do have to take that intersection, let 'em honk! Better honking than running over you.....

HTH!

I agree with the majority - and it's even easier if you politely indicate your intention and act as if you belong there (which you do).

There are one intersection that is like this on my way to work. This one is not so bad as traffic is usually light.

the one pictured above is on the way back home.
With google map, you can see it: (intersection of 154 and Calle Real)

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=93105&ll=34.441637,-119.760064&spn=0.004211,0.007308&t=h&hl=en

The alternative is a bit up north, but the climb is very steep as this is the foothill area! :eek: