When merging onto a freeway, what is important to do?

Matching the speed of the vehicles in the lane is crucial when merging onto a freeway. This practice ensures that you can safely blend in with the existing traffic flow. Freeways often have higher speed limits than regular roads, and the ability to merge smoothly helps prevent disruptions that could lead to accidents. Accelerating to match the speed of the traffic not only enhances safety for yourself but also for other drivers by minimizing the need for them to adjust their speed or change lanes abruptly.

Maintaining the appropriate rate of speed allows for a smooth integration into the flow of traffic, which is essential when the freeway is busy. Merging at a significantly slower speed can create dangerous situations, as drivers behind you may not expect a sudden reduction in speed, which can lead to rear-end collisions. Similarly, stopping before entering the lane poses a hazard, as it could cause confusion and disrupt the flow of traffic. Additionally, signaling your intent to merge is important, but it should always be done in a timely and appropriate manner—not just when you have time.