College

When on a short entrance to an interstate where there is no merge area or lane, what should you do?

A. Speed up to merge with traffic
B. Stop and wait for a gap in traffic
C. Slow down and yield to traffic
D. Sound your horn to alert other drivers

Answer :

Final answer:

The correct action when entering an interstate with no dedicated merge area or lane is to speed up to merge with traffic, adjusting to the flow and speed without causing sudden braking or disruption.

Explanation:

Safely Merging onto an Interstate

When approaching an interstate entrance without a dedicated merge area or lane, the correct action to take is to speed up to merge with traffic. Merging safely requires adjusting your speed to match that of the traffic on the interstate, looking for a suitable gap, and making the necessary lane changes without causing other drivers to brake suddenly. It’s important to avoid high-speed driving when it's unnecessary, especially to prevent the need for unnecessary braking and to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.

Traffic engineers work diligently to establish guidelines and infrastructure, such as the proper "yellow time" at stoplights, to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles through busy intersections and merge points. However, avoiding actions like sudden stops or gradual deceleration before stops is critical for safety, especially when no merge lane is available.

Remember that when merging into fast-moving traffic, it's crucial to adapt quickly to the flow and speed of other vehicles. Coming to a complete stop at the end of the entrance ramp can be dangerous and can cause accidents due to the high-speed difference between your vehicle and the ones on the interstate. Slowing down and yielding to traffic, or sounding your horn are not advisable actions in this situation as they can disrupt the traffic flow and potentially cause collisions.