South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

What should a driver do while entering an interstate highway?

1. reduce speed

2. signal and yield to traffic

3. make a U-turn

4. stop at the entrance

The correct answer is: signal and yield to traffic

When entering an interstate highway, signaling and yielding to traffic is essential for ensuring a smooth and safe transition onto the highway. This means that as a driver approaches the entrance ramp, they should activate their turn signal to indicate their intention to merge onto the highway. Yielding to traffic involves checking for any vehicles that are already on the interstate and allowing them the right of way, as they are traveling at higher speeds. Following this practice is crucial because interstate highways are designed for high-speed travel, and merging safely is important to prevent accidents. By properly signaling and yielding, a driver can gauge the speed of approaching vehicles and find a safe gap for merging, which enhances overall road safety for everyone involved. In contrast, reducing speed is generally not advisable when entering an interstate; it could disrupt the flow of traffic. Making a U-turn is illegal in this context and would not be appropriate at an entrance ramp. Stopping at the entrance would also create hazards for both the entering driver and other vehicles on the highway, who expect traffic to merge smoothly. Thus, yielding and signaling effectively are vital for safe highway entry.