When merging onto a highway, what should you do to match traffic flow?

• A. Maintain your current speed and merge when you see a gap.
• B. Stop on the ramp and wait for the gap in traffic.
• C. Merge by turning left before you reach the acceleration lane.
• D. Accelerate to match the speed of traffic and yield as needed to merge safely.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is to blend smoothly with traffic by using the ramp to reach a safe speed and then merge with an appropriate gap. Accelerate in the acceleration lane to match the highway’s flow, and as you approach traffic, yield to vehicles already in the highway lane as needed. Signal your turn, check mirrors and blind spots, and time your merge so you can glide in without forcing other drivers to adjust. Once you find a clear gap, merge smoothly and maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead.

This approach avoids trying to maintain your current speed until you suddenly find a gap, which can lead to last‑second braking or forced merges. Stopping on the ramp blocks traffic and creates a dangerous situation. Turning left before reaching the acceleration lane disrupts the designed flow of the ramp and can lead to unsafe maneuvers.