When merging onto an expressway, what is the appropriate speed to maintain?

Maintaining a speed that is as close as possible to the speed of traffic when merging onto an expressway is crucial for ensuring a smooth and safe transition. This practice helps to minimize disruptions to the flow of traffic, reducing the risk of accidents that can occur if vehicles merge at significantly different speeds. When you approach the merge area, it's essential to gauge the speed of vehicles in the expressway lane and adjust your speed accordingly.

Merging at a speed that matches the flow of traffic allows for safer merging maneuvers, as it enables other drivers to predict your movements and makes it easier for them to accommodate your entry into their lane. This also contributes to a more efficient traffic flow overall, as abrupt changes in speed can lead to congestion and increased chances of collision.

Other choices, such as merging as fast as possible or below the speed limit, can create hazardous situations. For example, merging at a high speed could put you at risk of losing control, while merging significantly slower than the current traffic could lead to frustration among other drivers and increase the likelihood of a crash. Therefore, aligning your speed with that of existing traffic is the safest and most effective approach.