ASK A TROOPER: Entering and Exiting the Freeway

Question: First, thank you for sharing our concerns on traffic safety.  I see an increase in drivers not accelerating to enter the main flow of traffic, until they are on the main roadway.  This also happens, but less often, when exiting the main flow by slowing down before in the exiting lane.  This recently happened to my neighbor’s son who rear ended a car pulling onto the highway.  I would think that there would be accident data on these types of situations.  Thank you again for your service and for keeping us informed. Answer: Thank you. Let’s talk about this as it pertains to entering the freeway. Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of most entry ramps, there is an acceleration lane that allows you to increase your speed to safely merge with traffic already on the freeway. To avoid disrupting traffic flow or cutting off other drivers when you merge, adjust your speed to match the vehicles already on the freeway. You must yield to other