What is the proper way to merge onto a highway?

Merging onto a highway requires careful attention to the flow of traffic and safety. The most effective method is to accelerate to match the speed of traffic. This helps ensure that you can merge seamlessly into the lane without disrupting the flow of vehicles already on the highway.

When you accelerate, it allows you to find a gap in the traffic and enter safely. Keeping pace with the speed of traffic helps reduce the chances of an accident, as abrupt changes in speed can lead to collisions. It's also essential to be aware of your surroundings and check mirrors and blind spots during the merging process, but the primary focus should be on achieving a speed that aligns with the vehicles in the lane you are merging into.

Other approaches, such as slowing down until a gap is found or merging without checking for vehicles, can lead to unsafe conditions, while waiting for a traffic signal is generally not applicable on highways where traffic flow must be maintained.