At 11:38 p.m. a metallic object entered Interstate 17 traffic, maintained altitude above the left lane and activated an amber turn signal before merging. Investigators immediately eliminated several human explanations on the grounds that the maneuver was too considerate.
THE MERGE
Dashcam footage shows three flashes, a pause and a smooth lateral movement with appropriate following distance. No horn was used. The craft then allowed a sedan to enter from an on-ramp.
TRAFFIC EXPERTS ARE DISTURBED
A driving instructor reviewed the clip twice. “Technically excellent,” she said. “Mirror, signal, maneuver — assuming it has mirrors.” She rated the unknown pilot above average and requested that we send the footage to several former students.
Observed violations: unregistered aircraft, improper altitude, possible extraterrestrial operation. Observed courtesy violations: none.
TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
CONTACT LOST AT EXIT 42
The object signaled again, crossed two lanes without cutting anyone off and disappeared toward the desert. Highway patrol found no crash, debris or citation. For eleven seconds afterward, every car in the footage used its turn signal. Experts call that the least believable part.