Ars Technica, a few years back:
Which lane should a driver pick in this scenario? Steer to the left as soon as you see a closure notice and you’ll almost certainly go slower; stay in the right and you’ll catch stink-eye, honks, and even swerving drivers. Everyone is upset that you’re about to essentially cut in line—an act that will require a tense, last-minute merge of your own.
Most driving schools and transportation departments in the United States don’t instruct drivers on how to handle this situation or whether they must merge within a certain mileage, leaving this kind of merge up to the grace of your fellow, angry commuters. This week, however, Washington state joined Minnesota in sending a clear message to drivers: merge rudely. It’s actually faster and safer. (emphasis added)