Practice question

When merging with highway traffic, what should you do?

  1. Accelerate to match the traffic speed
  2. Give way to traffic already on the highway
  3. Merge without checking mirrors
  4. Stop and let traffic pass

Answer: B — Give way to traffic already on the highway

When merging with highway traffic, it is essential to give way to the vehicles that are already present on the highway. This practice ensures that you are not causing disruption to the flow of traffic and helps to maintain safety for yourself and other drivers. It is crucial to assess the speed and position of oncoming vehicles before entering the highway. By yielding to highway traffic, you allow for a smoother transition into the flow, preventing potential accidents or sudden braking. This principle is fundamental to merging, as it promotes an organized and predictable driving environment. While matching the speed of traffic (as mentioned in another choice) is important when you enter the roadway, it must be done only after yielding appropriately to existing traffic. The idea of merging without checking mirrors can lead to serious safety hazards, as failing to monitor your surroundings might result in collisions. Stopping and letting traffic pass can create confusion and potentially hazardous situations on the highway, where maintaining a steady flow is critical.

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