When waiting to pull into traffic, you should...

When waiting to pull into traffic, you should...

• A. Always wait for the proper gap
• B. Merge as soon as you see any space
• C. Signal and pull out immediately
• D. Wait until the light changes

Answer: (A)

The key idea is merging only when there is a safe, adequate gap in the traffic you’re entering. As you approach the highway or roadway, you should accelerate in the merging lane to reach the speed of the traffic, signal your intent early, and scan for a space that gives you enough distance to complete the merge without forcing others to slow down or speed up. If you don’t see a gap large enough to enter smoothly and maintain traffic flow, you should wait and position yourself to continue waiting in the merging area until a safe opening appears. Relying on any space that appears, or trying to merge at the moment you spot a space, can lead to cutting someone off or entering too slowly. Waiting for a traffic light to determine when to merge isn’t reliable, because the light doesn’t guarantee a safe gap in the ongoing traffic. In short, only pull into traffic when there’s a proper, safe gap you can occupy confidently, with signaling and careful observation.

The key idea is merging only when there is a safe, adequate gap in the traffic you’re entering. As you approach the highway or roadway, you should accelerate in the merging lane to reach the speed of the traffic, signal your intent early, and scan for a space that gives you enough distance to complete the merge without forcing others to slow down or speed up. If you don’t see a gap large enough to enter smoothly and maintain traffic flow, you should wait and position yourself to continue waiting in the merging area until a safe opening appears. Relying on any space that appears, or trying to merge at the moment you spot a space, can lead to cutting someone off or entering too slowly. Waiting for a traffic light to determine when to merge isn’t reliable, because the light doesn’t guarantee a safe gap in the ongoing traffic. In short, only pull into traffic when there’s a proper, safe gap you can occupy confidently, with signaling and careful observation.