Manage the Merge

Managing the merge can be a tricky task, but following the tips below can help you teach your young driver to do so safely!

Adult Tips:

• Remind your teen to plan for an exit as early as possible.

• Turn signals are vital when it comes to merging. Make sure that you and your teen are both using turn signals when needed.

• While in the deceleration lane, before you are committed to the exit ramp, apply the brake to feel its effect. If there is a problem, you can stay on the highway.

• When on the ramp, drive at a slower speed to create more time to find a suitable gap to merge into.

Teen Tips:

• Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic before entering the roadway.

• Yield to drivers on the freeway.

• Find a 3 to 4-second gap in traffic.

• Check for cars around your vehicle before entering a lane.

• Use your turn signals early.

• Wait for the solid line to end before merging.

• Cross one lane of traffic at a time.

• Be prepared for your exit, maneuver into the far-right lane as you approach it.

• Keep up with the speed of traffic until you exit.

• If you must pass a vehicle, pass on the left and return to your lane once the vehicle is visible in your rearview mirror.

Links:

• https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/10-ways-to-make-your-traffic-merging-safer-on-busy-roads

• https://www.aceable.com/safe-driving/how-to-merge-on-a-highway/

• https://www.topdriver.com/education-blog/3-safety-tips-merging-onto-highway/

Podcast:

• https://soundcloud.com/user-801069451/merging-podcast