Philadelphia Drivers License Practice Test

How should you enter an expressway from an entrance ramp?

1. Slow down and wait for traffic to clear

2. Look for an opening in traffic and accelerate

3. Merge immediately into any open lane

4. Enter at the current speed limit

The correct answer is: Look for an opening in traffic and accelerate

Entering an expressway from an entrance ramp requires a specific approach to ensure safety and smooth merging with high-speed traffic. The correct method is to look for an opening in traffic and accelerate to match the speed of vehicles already traveling on the expressway. This strategy is important because expressways are designed for higher speeds, and merging at a similar speed helps avoid abrupt changes in traffic flow that can lead to accidents. It allows for a smoother transition into the line of traffic, reducing the risk of collisions. On the other hand, slowing down and waiting for traffic to clear can be dangerous; it may cause you to be an obstruction on the ramp and provoke drivers behind you to react unpredictably. Similarly, merging immediately into any open lane without checking your surroundings may lead to conflicts with vehicles already in those lanes. Entering at the current speed limit could also be problematic, as the speed limit on the expressway is often higher than the speed at which vehicles are moving on the ramp, making it difficult to merge safely. By accelerating and finding a gap, you establish a safe entry into the expressway, making it easier for both you and other drivers to maintain a safe flow of traffic.