You are attempting to merge onto a high-speed freeway from an acceleration lane during heavy traffic. Vehicles in the right lane of the freeway are traveling close together at 60 mph. As you reach the midpoint of the acceleration lane, which of the following is the legally correct and safest procedure to complete your merge?
- Adjust your speed on the acceleration lane to select a safe gap in traffic, signal your intention, check blind spots over your shoulder, and merge smoothly into the flow of traffic without stopping unless necessary.Answer
- BAccelerate to the maximum posted freeway speed limit regardless of current traffic speed, relying on the rule that vehicles on the main freeway must yield to merging vehicles.
- CCross over the solid white edge line onto the paved right shoulder and continue driving at freeway speed until a clear opening in traffic appears.
- DRely exclusively on your side mirrors to identify a gap in the right lane and execute an immediate lane change without turning your head to perform a physical shoulder check.
Answer
Adjust your speed on the acceleration lane to select a safe gap in traffic, signal your intention, check blind spots over your shoulder, and merge smoothly into the flow of traffic without stopping unless necessary.
The correct procedure requires matching the speed of freeway traffic while still in the acceleration lane, signaling intent, checking mirrors and blind spots over the shoulder, and merging into a safe gap. Stopping on an acceleration lane should be avoided unless strictly necessary for safety.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Freeway merging procedure and acceleration lane utilization
Estimated Time:1m 30s