What is a critical factor for safe highway merging?

Matching the speed of traffic in the lane you are merging into is essential for safe highway merging. When merging, it's crucial to ensure that you are moving at a similar speed to the vehicles already in that lane. This reduces the chances of causing an obstruction or being involved in an accident, as a significant speed differential can create dangerous situations. If you merge at a much lower speed, vehicles behind you may not have enough time to react, potentially leading to collisions.

Additionally, merging at a similar speed helps facilitate smoother traffic flow, which is especially important in high-speed environments like highways. It allows for better judgment regarding gaps in traffic and helps prevent the need for abrupt stops or accelerations. The ability to merge seamlessly into the flow of traffic contributes significantly to overall roadway safety and efficiency.