What is the safe distance to use for merging onto a highway?

Adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic when merging onto a highway is crucial for maintaining safety. This practice allows for a smoother transition and reduces the risk of collisions with vehicles already on the highway. When you align your speed with that of the traffic, you are more likely to find an appropriate gap to merge into, minimizing disruption to both your vehicle and others on the road.

This approach enhances overall traffic flow and ensures that you are not creating a hazardous situation where other drivers might have to brake unexpectedly to accommodate your merge. It also enables you to make better judgments about when to enter the highway, thereby promoting safer driving behaviors.

In contrast, coming to a stop before merging can create dangerous situations as it can disrupt traffic and increase the likelihood of accidents. Merging as quickly as possible may lead to unsafe maneuvers, especially if you do not have a clear understanding of the traffic conditions. Similarly, maintaining your speed without regard to the flow of traffic can lead to serious hazards if your speed is not compatible with that of other vehicles on the highway.