How can you safely merge onto a highway?

Using the acceleration lane to match the speed of traffic is essential for safely merging onto a highway. This lane provides an opportunity for drivers to increase their speed to that of vehicles already traveling on the highway. By doing so, it minimizes the risk of sudden stops or erratic movements that could lead to collisions. Matching the flow of traffic is critical because highway driving generally occurs at higher speeds, and entering traffic at a significantly lower speed can create dangerous situations for both the merging driver and the vehicles already on the highway.

Additionally, utilizing the acceleration lane allows drivers to better assess their environment and find an appropriate gap in traffic for merging, enhancing overall safety. It’s also important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and use their mirrors and signal their intentions, but the primary mechanism of safely merging is to harmonize their speed with that of existing traffic.