How should you merge onto a freeway safely?

Merging onto a freeway safely involves matching the speed of existing traffic and utilizing the designated merge lane effectively. When approaching a freeway, it's essential to accelerate within the merge lane to align your speed with the vehicles already traveling on the highway. This helps facilitate a smooth transition and reduces the risk of collisions, as it allows for safer gaps to merge into without forcing other drivers to slow down or make abrupt maneuvers.

By focusing on matching the speed of traffic, you contribute to the overall flow of vehicles on the freeway, making it easier for both yourself and other drivers. This practice also takes into account the need for awareness of your surroundings, enabling you to adjust your speed and position as necessary based on the behavior of other vehicles in the lane.

Other options involve unsafe strategies, such as accelerating without checking traffic, which can lead to potential accidents due to an inability to gauge the speed of other vehicles. Driving on the shoulder can be dangerous and is typically illegal, while waiting for traffic to stop is impractical and could cause disruptions to the flow of the freeway, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Therefore, properly matching your speed and using the merge lane ensures safety and efficiency when entering the freeway.