SUICIDE LANE Meaning and
Definition
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Suicide lane refers to a type of traffic lane that is designed for vehicles to temporarily travel in opposite directions. This term is commonly used in traffic engineering and transportation planning. Suicide lanes are typically found on arterial roads with heavy traffic and are used to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
In its typical configuration, a suicide lane is a wide center lane that is separated from the rest of the traffic by a double yellow line. It is meant for vehicles intending to make a left turn at an upcoming intersection. Vehicles traveling in this lane must yield to oncoming traffic before merging back into their respective lanes. The term "suicide lane" is derived from the perceived danger and risk associated with merging across oncoming traffic, especially during high-volume periods.
Due to their nature, suicide lanes are generally marked with signs, arrows indicating the direction of travel, and additional traffic control devices. These lanes are mostly found in suburban or rural areas where limited funds or space prevent the construction of a median or a dedicated left turn lane. However, the usage of such lanes has declined in recent years due to safety concerns and the availability of alternative solutions like dedicated turn lanes or roundabouts.
It is worth noting that the term "suicide lane" is colloquial and not an official or technical term used by transportation authorities.
Etymology of SUICIDE LANE
The term "suicide lane" is a colloquialism that refers to a center lane on a multi-lane road that is shared by vehicles travelling in opposite directions for passing or turning. The etymology of this term is not entirely clear, as it is more of a descriptive term used for its dangerous nature rather than having a specific linguistic origin. However, it is believed that the term arose from the high risk and potential for accidents associated with using the center lane for passing on busy roads where vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. This risky behavior could be seen as an act comparable to committing "suicide". It is important to note that the term "suicide lane" is considered informal and is not an official term used by transportation authorities.
