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by SunWuKong » Mon, 21 Sep 2009 8:01 am
As a side note after reading 'onlyvictor's post.
And hoping that I am interpreting 'filtering' correctly as merging.
If that is the case then the term is very amusing. Merging carries a connotation of shared enterprise, as to merge requires the cooperation of two or more drivers. However, the term filtering, indicates by its very definition, that the outcome of a 'merging' or 'passing through' operation is uncertain. If you meet the criteria you can pass through, if not, then you're 'filtered' and left stranded in your lane.
Perhaps this reflects the mentality of drivers in Singapore. However the best practice is to emulate common practice, even if you disagree with it. By merging differently to the accepted standard, you are doing something unexpected and unanticipated by other drivers. It doesn't take a lot of wit to realize that that will probably cause an accident.
In Singapore the 'merging' technique seems to be quite organic, and the practical rules for giving way or deference blurred. In short it is the lead car that determines right of way, and the general technique is to 'shuffle' into the 'opponent's lane slowly, yet inexorably, with or without indication. Pausing at any stage due to uncertainty in the other driver's ability to break hard enough to avoid your vehicle is a sign of weakness and will result in failure, and loss of 'right of way'. You've been filtered.
To avoid any uncertainty, and to prevent yourself being the victim of filtering, a good strategy to employ is to drive in BOTH lanes for several hundred meters before the imperative to merge arises. This reserves right of way against most 'opponents'.
For anyone who thinks that this is outrageously aggressive driving, think again. In Singapore this is perfectly routine, and the only people who get upset are foreigners and the small subset of the population who read, and understood, the road rules.
The nature of Monkey was ... irrepressible!