What is the proper way to merge into traffic?

Merging into traffic safely is crucial for maintaining the flow of vehicles and ensuring safety on the road. The correct approach involves matching the speed of the traffic you are merging into while signaling your intention to merge. This method allows for a smoother integration into the existing traffic and helps other drivers understand your intentions, which reduces the risk of collisions.

By matching the speed of surrounding vehicles, you minimize disruption and make it easier for others to accommodate your merge. Signaling is just as important, as it communicates to other drivers what you are planning to do, allowing them to adjust their speed or position accordingly. This cooperation among drivers is essential in maintaining safe driving conditions.

The other options presented are not safe practices when merging into traffic. Accelerating quickly can create a hazard for other drivers, and stopping with hazard lights can lead to unexpected situations that may result in accidents. Forcefully merging without signaling disregards the fundamental rules of safe driving and can surprise other drivers, leading to potential collisions.