Mississippi Written Drivers Test Practice

How should you handle merging onto freeway traffic?

1. Stop and wait for a gap

2. Accelerate to match the speed of traffic and merge safely

3. Merge at a lower speed

4. Use your horn to alert other drivers

The correct answer is: Accelerate to match the speed of traffic and merge safely

Merging onto freeway traffic requires you to accelerate to match the speed of vehicles already on the freeway. This is critical for ensuring a smooth transition into traffic and minimizing disruption to the flow of vehicles. When you accelerate to match their speed, you create a safer environment for yourself and others. It helps you identify suitable gaps in traffic, allowing you to merge without having to force other drivers to slow down or change lanes. In contrast to this, stopping and waiting for a gap can be dangerous. It could lead to a backlog of traffic behind you and potentially trigger a rear-end collision. Merging at a lower speed can also create hazards, as it might not match the pace of surrounding vehicles, leading to abrupt lane changes or collisions. Using your horn to alert other drivers is generally unnecessary and can be perceived as aggressive, which may not contribute to safety during the merging process. Instead, focusing on matching the speed of traffic is the best approach for a safe and smooth merge onto the freeway.