Highway merging is one of the most anxiety-inducing skills for new drivers, but it does not have to be. The key is understanding the purpose of the acceleration lane and using it properly to match the speed of highway traffic.
As you enter the on-ramp, begin accelerating immediately. The acceleration lane exists specifically to give you space to reach highway speed before merging. Do not stop or slow down on the ramp unless traffic ahead requires it.
Use your mirrors and check your blind spot to identify a gap in traffic. Signal your intention to merge early so other drivers can see you. Aim for a gap that gives you at least a three-second cushion from the nearest vehicle.
Match the speed of traffic in the right lane before merging. If highway traffic is moving at 65 mph, you should be at or near 65 mph when you merge. Merging at a significantly lower speed is dangerous and forces other drivers to brake suddenly.
Once you have merged, maintain your speed and stay in the right lane until you are comfortable. Avoid immediately moving to the left lane. Give yourself time to adjust to highway speed and traffic patterns before making additional lane changes.
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