South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

When merging onto the highway after a breakdown, you should always gain speed ____________.

1. as you approach the ramp

2. before moving onto the highway

3. once on the highway

4. as you exit the breakdown lane

The correct answer is: before moving onto the highway

Gaining speed before moving onto the highway is crucial for several reasons. When merging onto the highway, it is essential to match the speed of the vehicles already traveling in the lane you intend to join. This helps ensure a smooth and safe transition onto the roadway without causing disruptions for other drivers. Accelerating before you enter the highway allows you to merge more seamlessly, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting better traffic flow. Approaching the ramp may give you an initial acceleration, but it is while in the merge space that you need to be at the right speed to safely enter the highway. Relying on the highway drivers to adjust their speed for you can lead to dangerous situations. Therefore, obtaining an adequate speed before actually merging is a safety best practice that contributes to maintaining control and situational awareness.