When entering a freeway you should:
- Slow down, and then enter the freeway at a sharp angle
- Signal and increase your speed to merge smoothly with traffic ✓
- Stop on the acceleration lane, wait for an opening, and then enter the freeway rapidly.
- Drive slowly and be prepared to stop for freeway traffic
Answer: B. Signal and increase your speed to merge smoothly with traffic
Signal and increase your speed so you merge smoothly with freeway traffic.
Why this is the answer
The handbook says the entrance has an acceleration lane that you use to bring your speed up to the speed of traffic already on the freeway. In the merging area, you look for a safe gap. It also tells you to check traffic, signal your intention, and move into traffic when there is space. The handbook specifically warns against stopping in the acceleration lane or merging area because you could be rear-ended. Building speed and signaling fit a safe merge; slowing or stopping does not.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Slow down, and then enter the freeway at a sharp angle — Slowing down and entering at a sharp angle conflicts with using the acceleration lane to match freeway traffic speed and merging through a safe gap.
- C. Stop on the acceleration lane, wait for an opening, and then enter the freeway rapidly. — The handbook warns against stopping in the acceleration lane or merging area because you risk being rear-ended.
- D. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop for freeway traffic — Driving slowly and preparing to stop ignores the instruction to match the speed of traffic on the freeway and the warning not to stop in the merging area.
Remember it
Treat the ramp as your run-up: build speed to fit the gap and keep rolling instead of stopping.