Texas Driver's License Knowledge TestSafe Driving PracticesMedium
A driver is entering an interstate highway using a short acceleration lane. What is the most critical action to safely merge into highway traffic?
- AStop at the end of the acceleration lane and wait for a gap.
- BSlow down to a stop and then slowly enter the highway.
- CAccelerate to match the speed of highway traffic and find a safe gap.
- DSignal and then immediately merge into the nearest lane, regardless of traffic speed.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Accelerate to match the speed of highway traffic and find a safe gap.
The purpose of an acceleration lane is to allow the driver to increase their speed to match that of the main highway traffic. This makes it possible to merge smoothly and safely into a gap without disrupting the flow of traffic or creating a hazard.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Stopping in an acceleration lane is extremely dangerous and can cause a rear-end collision.
- B. Slowing or stopping before merging is highly dangerous and impedes traffic flow.
- D. Merging without matching speed or checking for a safe gap is reckless and unsafe.
Highway Merging
The process of safely entering a highway from an acceleration lane by matching speed and finding a gap.
- Acceleration lane is for increasing speed.
- Matching speed with highway traffic is crucial.
- Scanning for safe gaps is essential.
Memory trick: Speed up, Look, Merge, Smoothly.