When parallel parked, what are the steps to safely re-enter traffic?

A) Check your mirrors, signal your intention, and immediately merge into traffic.

B) Look over your shoulder, signal your intention, and slowly merge into traffic.

C) Check your blind spots, signal your intention, and quickly merge into traffic.

D) Look in your rearview mirror, signal your intention, and smoothly merge into traffic.

By following these steps – checking the rearview mirror, signaling intention, and smoothly merging – drivers can safely re-enter traffic after parallel parking. The correct option is D.

Explanation:

After parallel parking, it's crucial to re-enter traffic safely. The correct steps involve first checking your rearview mirror to assess the traffic situation behind you. This step ensures you are aware of any approaching vehicles. Next, signal your intention to merge into traffic, indicating to other drivers your plan to enter the flow of vehicles. Finally, smoothly merge into traffic, ensuring you maintain a safe speed and distance from other vehicles while entering the lane.

By following these steps – checking the rearview mirror, signaling intention, and smoothly merging – drivers can safely re-enter traffic after parallel parking. This sequence of actions helps maintain awareness of surrounding vehicles and communicates intentions to other drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe transition back into the flow of traffic.