What is the correct way to handle a merging situation?

In a merging situation, the best approach is to accelerate to match the speed of traffic and merge safely. This practice ensures that you can enter the flow of traffic smoothly, reducing the risk of collisions and disruptions. When accelerating to match the speed, you increase your chances of fitting into the existing traffic lane without forcing other drivers to alter their speed or direction.

Additionally, this approach emphasizes the importance of being aware of your surroundings and understanding that merging should be done in coordination with other drivers. It allows for smoother transitions onto highways or into lanes, which contributes to overall road safety and traffic flow efficiency.

The other options do not promote safe merging practices. Stopping to wait for a gap can create confusion and hazards not only for yourself but for drivers behind you; they expect you to continue moving. Merging quickly without checking mirrors is dangerous because it ignores critical components of safe driving and situational awareness. Yielding to incoming traffic regardless of speed may also lead to unsafe situations, as it can cause delays and unpredictability on the road.