What must a driver do prior to merging onto a highway?

A driver must signal and check blind spots before merging onto a highway to ensure a safe entry onto the roadway. Signaling alerts other drivers of the intent to merge, providing them with crucial information to anticipate the movement. Checking blind spots is equally essential, as it allows the driver to be aware of any vehicles that may be in adjacent lanes or areas where visibility is limited. This practice not only enhances the driver’s safety but also contributes to the overall safety of the roadway by reducing the risks of accidents during merging.

While matching the traffic flow is important, it comes after ensuring a safe merge, and reducing speed is counterproductive when merging onto a highway where the expectation is to blend with the flow of faster traffic rather than hinder it. Turning on hazard lights is typically reserved for emergencies, not for signaling a lane change or merge. Thus, the comprehensive approach of signaling and checking blind spots is the correct prerequisite behavior before merging onto a highway.