When you are merging onto a freeway, who has the right-of-way?
The vehicles already traveling on the freeway have the right-of-way. As the merging driver, you must yield to them.
Is it acceptable to force a driver on the highway to brake hard or swerve to let you in?
No. It is your responsibility to find a gap large enough to merge into safely without forcing other drivers to take sudden evasive actions.
What is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes drivers make when merging?
Merging too slowly. Entering the highway at a speed much lower than the flow of traffic can cause rear-end collisions and disrupt traffic.
What must you avoid doing at the end of an on-ramp or acceleration lane?
Never stop suddenly unless traffic conditions on the highway are also stopped. A sudden stop can cause a severe rear-end collision.
As a driver already on the highway, what is a courteous action to take for merging traffic?
If a lane to your left is open and it is safe to do so, move over one lane to give merging vehicles more space to enter the highway.
When checking for a gap, is it enough to only use your mirrors?
No. Mirrors alone are not sufficient. You must also perform a quick shoulder check (head check) to view your blind spot before changing lanes.
Why should you never rely on other drivers to make room for you?
While it's courteous for drivers to make space, they are not legally required to. The legal responsibility to find a safe gap and merge properly always rests with you, the merging driver.
What is a "weave lane" and why does it require extra caution?
A weave lane is where an entrance and an exit use the same lane. Drivers are both slowing down to exit and speeding up to merge, so you must be highly alert for speed differences and lane changes.
Is it ever permissible to merge without using a turn signal?
No. You must always use your turn signal to communicate your intention to merge. It is a critical safety signal for all drivers around you.
If a truck or other large vehicle is merging, what should you do as a driver already on the highway?
Provide them with extra space. Large vehicles need more time to accelerate and have larger blind spots. Adjust your speed or change lanes if safe to allow them to merge smoothly.
Should you cross the solid white line at the beginning of the acceleration lane to merge early?
No. You must not cross the solid white line. Wait until the line becomes dashed or ends, indicating that you are permitted to start merging into traffic.
What is the risk of following another merging vehicle too closely?
If the vehicle in front of you suddenly brakes or has trouble merging, you will not have enough space or time to react safely, potentially causing a collision.
