How should your behavior change when merging onto the freeway?

When merging onto the freeway, increasing your speed to match the traffic flow is crucial for several reasons. Freeway traffic typically moves at higher speeds, and merging at a slower speed can create dangerous situations, as it may cause other drivers to have to brake or change lanes abruptly to avoid a collision.

By accelerating to a speed that is consistent with the flow of traffic, you enhance your chances of merging safely and smoothly. It allows you to integrate into the lane more effectively and helps maintain the overall traffic flow, reducing the risk of accidents.

While it is important to be aware of the traffic situation and to find an appropriate gap, simply waiting for a large gap or being excessively cautious can also increase the risk, as it may lead to hesitation and confusion for other drivers. Therefore, aligning your speed with that of the freeway traffic is the most prudent choice for safe merging.