How to merge safely onto a freeway
Entering a freeway is one of the more demanding manoeuvres you will do when driving. Conditions on freeways are changeable and drivers can be unpredictable. Understanding the rules and having good driving skills are important to merging safely. Remember that the rules for merging onto a freeway are the same as for changing lanes on any road.
Speed. Use the entrance ramp to quickly gain speed to match the traffic on the freeway. Merging at the same speed as the existing freeway traffic will ensure that you can easily move onto the freeway without causing a dangerous situation when you merge.
Make sure you use your mirrors and keep your eyes on other vehicles while you gain speed. If you see a group of vehicles coming up quickly in the lane into which you are trying to merge you may need to adjust your speed to find the safe gap you need.
Indicate. Make sure you indicate early so it is clear to others that you want to change lanes. Make it clear to other drivers what you are doing and give them plenty of opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to their driving. Remember, as the person merging you need to give way to traffic on the road you are merging into.
Gap selection. You will have to find a gap in the traffic before you merge and this is more difficult in heavy traffic. Keep your eyes on the road, check your mirrors and do head checks to work out when it is safe to merge. Maintain an appropriate speed to merge safely and smoothly into the lane. Stay alert, keep an eye on traffic in front of you, use your mirrors, do head checks and check your blind spots, especially for motorcycles.
Merge smoothly and safely. When you see a gap, move your vehicle smoothly into the lane. Your speed should now be the same speed as the rest of the traffic. Pay attention to the vehicles around you as you merge as vehicles in front of you may brake or those beside you may try to enter the lane you are in.
