California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesMedium
You are driving on a multi-lane freeway and approach an interchange where traffic is merging from an on-ramp on your right. To facilitate a smooth and safe merge, you should:
- AMaintain your speed and position, expecting merging drivers to yield.
- BBrake firmly to slow down well below the speed limit.
- CIf safe and possible, move to the left lane to create space for merging traffic.
- DSpeed up to get past the merging traffic quickly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. If safe and possible, move to the left lane to create space for merging traffic.
While merging traffic is expected to yield, a defensive driver will assist by creating space if it's safe to do so. Moving to the left lane helps maintain traffic flow and reduces potential conflicts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While merging traffic should yield, a defensive driver aims to prevent accidents, not just assert right-of-way.
- B. Braking firmly on a freeway can cause a chain reaction collision and severe traffic disruption.
- D. Speeding up can reduce the safe gap for merging vehicles and lead to collisions.
Assisting Merging Traffic
On multi-lane roads, when safe, move over one lane to the left to create space for vehicles merging from an on-ramp, facilitating smoother traffic flow and preventing conflicts.
- Merge traffic is expected to yield.
- Defensive drivers assist by creating space.
- Moving to the left lane is the preferred method.
- Only move if it is safe and clear to do so.
Memory trick: See a merge, move left with a surge, avoid the traffic purge.