Practice question

How should you handle a merge onto a busy freeway?

  1. Stop and wait for a long gap
  2. Accelerate to match the speed of traffic
  3. Use your horn to alert other drivers
  4. Slowly crawl into the lane

Answer: B — Accelerate to match the speed of traffic

When merging onto a busy freeway, it is crucial to accelerate to match the speed of traffic. This approach ensures that you can smoothly and safely enter the flow of vehicles already on the freeway. Merging at a speed that aligns with the traffic allows for a safer transition, reducing the risk of accidents that can occur when vehicles are traveling at significantly different speeds. By accelerating to a similar speed as the traffic, you help maintain the momentum of the freeway, which is designed for vehicles to travel at higher speeds. This practice also makes it easier for other drivers to create space for you to merge into their lanes, contributing to an overall safer and more efficient driving experience on the freeway. In contrast, waiting for a long gap can be potentially dangerous, as it may lead to unexpected stops that disrupt the natural flow of traffic. Additionally, using your horn to alert other drivers or crawling into the lane could create confusion and increase the likelihood of a collision. Therefore, matching the speed of the traffic is the most effective and safe tactic when merging onto a busy freeway.

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