How can you safely merge into traffic?

Merging safely into traffic is a critical skill for drivers to ensure their own safety and that of others on the road. Utilizing turn signals and checking mirrors before merging is essential because it communicates your intention to other drivers and allows you to assess the situation around you effectively. When you use your turn signal, vehicles in the lanes you're merging into are made aware of your actions, which helps prevent collisions caused by sudden lane changes.

Additionally, checking your mirrors ensures that you are aware of any vehicles in your blind spots, allowing for a safer merging process. This practice of signaling and checking mirrors promotes a safe driving environment, as it encourages awareness and cooperation among drivers.

While matching the speed of traffic can be a component of merging, it should be done lawfully and safely, considering the presence of other vehicles. Relying solely on traffic lights or merging without signaling, regardless of the clear nature of a lane, is insufficient for safe merging practices. The key is to make intentions clear and to gauge the traffic situation before proceeding.