What is the correct procedure when merging onto a highway?

When merging onto a highway, the proper procedure involves accelerating to match the speed of the vehicles already traveling on the highway and yielding to the traffic that's in your lane. This process is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe entry onto the highway, where maintaining speed and flow of traffic is important for safety.

Accelerating to match the highway speed allows the merging driver to blend more seamlessly into the traffic, reducing the risk of sudden stops or hazardous maneuvers that may occur if one were to attempt merging at a lower speed. Yielding is also essential, as it acknowledges the right-of-way of highway traffic, ensuring that you do not impede other vehicles and can safely find a gap to merge into.

A strategy involving slowing down and waiting for a gap would not be ideal, as it could disrupt the flow of traffic and increase the risk of accidents. Merging without looking poses significant dangers since it does not allow the driver to assess surrounding conditions, leading to potential collisions. Coming to a complete stop before merging would also be counterproductive on a highway, as it could cause unexpected hazards for other drivers who are maintaining their speed.

Therefore, understanding the importance of matching speed and yielding during the merging process is essential for ensuring a safe and effective transition onto the