What should you do when joining the line of traffic on a freeway?

When joining the line of traffic on a freeway, remaining in your lane after merging is essential for several reasons. First, it promotes safety, as it allows other drivers to anticipate your actions and reduces the likelihood of collisions. Merging smoothly into the traffic flow requires you to match the speed of the vehicles already on the freeway, and by staying in your lane, you maintain a predictable trajectory that others can follow.

This approach also ensures that you maintain the right of way for already established traffic, making your integration into the flow smoother and less disruptive. Moreover, it helps in maintaining the overall flow of traffic, which is important for preventing congestion and ensuring that all vehicles can travel at an efficient speed.

In contrast, overtaking right away may lead you to perform maneuvers that could confuse or endanger other drivers. Crossing several lanes at once creates a similar risk, as it involves rapid changes in position that might not allow other drivers enough time to react. Signaling only when necessary undermines the purpose of the indicators, as using them consistently is critical for communicating your intentions to others on the road, thereby enhancing overall safety.