Massachusetts Fines and Limits Permit Practice Test

When merging onto a highway, what is the safest practice?

1. Enter at a slower speed

2. Accelerate to match the speed of traffic

3. Yield to all vehicles on the highway

4. Signal only if there is adequate space

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

The safest practice when merging onto a highway is to accelerate to match the speed of traffic. This is crucial because highway driving typically involves higher speeds, and merging at a significantly slower speed can create a hazardous situation for both the merging vehicle and the vehicles already on the highway. By matching the speed of existing traffic, the driver can merge more seamlessly, reducing the risk of collisions and helping maintain the flow of traffic. It allows for safer gaps to enter the highway without causing sudden slowdowns for other drivers, which can lead to accidents. Other options may suggest practices that could lead to unsafe situations. For instance, entering at a slower speed may necessitate abrupt maneuvers by others to avoid a collision. Yielding to all vehicles might not be practical or safe if a driver is unable to find an appropriate gap. Finally, signaling only if there is adequate space might delay the merging process and cause confusion among other drivers. Safe merging requires an awareness of speed and timing, which is best achieved by accelerating to match traffic speed.