In Arizona, what should you do before merging onto a highway?

Before merging onto a highway in Arizona, it is essential to accelerate to match the speed of traffic and check for a safe gap. This practice is critical for ensuring a smooth and safe entry into the highway. Merging at a speed that is similar to the speed of vehicles already on the highway reduces the chances of accidents caused by sudden braking or disruptions in the flow of traffic.

When you accelerate to match the speed, you increase the likelihood of finding a suitable gap in traffic to merge safely. This method allows you to integrate into the flow rather than forcing other drivers to slow down or make abrupt changes in speed, which could lead to dangerous situations. Checking for a safe gap after accelerating ensures that you can merge without putting yourself and others at risk.

In contrast, stopping and waiting for traffic to clear would not be practical or safe, as it could lead to more significant delays and potentially hazardous situations on the on-ramp. Merging immediately without consideration for speed or gaps could also create unsafe conditions, as it may disrupt the traffic pattern. Finally, using your turn signal is crucial for indicating your intentions, but slowing down instead of accelerating when merging could lead to misunderstandings with other drivers and increase the risk of collisions.