What should you do when merging into traffic?

When merging into traffic, it is important to acknowledge the dynamics of flow and safety. The appropriate action is to slow down and expect other drivers to let you in. This approach allows you to assess the speed and space available in the lane you are merging into while maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

Slowing down gives you a better opportunity to judge the gaps in traffic and the behavior of other drivers, which is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe merge. It sets a cautious tone and increases the chances that other drivers will recognize your intent and create a gap for you. Being aware of your surroundings and adapting your speed is key in these situations.

On the other hand, accelerating quickly can lead to aggressive driving behavior and might create unsafe conditions for both you and surrounding vehicles. Stopping to wait for traffic to clear is not advisable since it can create confusion and impede the flow of traffic. Merging without checking for other vehicles significantly increases the risk of accidents as it ignores the fundamental safety checks needed to ensure a safe entry into moving traffic.