When entering an interstate highway, you should:
- Stop, check for cars, and enter when safe.
- Check for cars and reduce your speed to 25 mph before entering the traffic lane.
- Check for cars, increase your speed to match the flow of traffic, and merge when the way is clear. ✓
Answer: C. Check for cars, increase your speed to match the flow of traffic, and merge when the way is clear.
Check for cars, increase your speed to match the flow of traffic, and merge when the way is clear.
Why this is the answer
California's handbook says highway traffic has the right-of-way. When you enter a highway, it lists being in the correct on-ramp lane, getting close to the speed of traffic, and merging only when it is safe. It also says not to stop unless absolutely necessary. Checking for cars, building speed to match the flow, and joining a gap large enough for your vehicle follows that guidance. Slowing down before entering would leave you moving much slower than the traffic around you, which the handbook does not ask for.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Stop, check for cars, and enter when safe. — Stopping before entering is wrong because the handbook says to avoid stopping unless absolutely necessary and highway traffic has the right-of-way.
- B. Check for cars and reduce your speed to 25 mph before entering the traffic lane. — Reducing speed to 25 mph is wrong because you need to be near the speed of traffic to merge safely.
Remember it
Think match, then merge: get close to the flow's speed and slide into a safe gap.