What is the correct procedure for merging onto a highway?

The correct approach for merging onto a highway is to accelerate to match the speed of traffic and merge when it is safe to do so. This procedure is vital because highways typically have higher speed limits, and merging in a way that aligns your vehicle's speed with that of existing traffic helps maintain a smooth flow and reduces the risk of collisions.

When a driver accelerates to match the speed of vehicles already on the highway, they can more effectively integrate into the traffic stream without causing abrupt changes in speed that could lead to accidents. It’s important to look for a gap in traffic and signal appropriately before merging to ensure that other drivers are aware of your intentions.

Stopping completely before merging can create dangerous situations, as it may lead to abrupt slowdowns or rear-end collisions. Similarly, merging immediately without adjusting your speed can lead to side-swipe accidents, while slowing down before merging can create confusion and disrupt the flow of traffic, making it more challenging for you and other drivers. Thus, the correct procedure emphasizes both speed matching and situational awareness for a safe and efficient merge.