Should you stop on the entrance ramp when merging onto the expressway if there’s no immediate opening in traffic?

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When merging onto an expressway, it is important to maintain the flow of traffic. Stopping on the entrance ramp can create a hazardous situation not only for the driver who is stopping but also for other vehicles that are already on the expressway. Expressways are designed for high-speed travel, and drivers expect merging vehicles to adjust their speed and blend into the traffic flow rather than come to a complete stop.

The best practice is to use the entrance ramp to accelerate to the speed of the traffic on the expressway. This way, once a gap in the traffic does present itself, you can merge safely and smoothly. It's also critical to be aware of your surroundings, using mirrors and checking blind spots to assess when it is safe to enter.

Choosing to stop on the entrance ramp can lead to increased risks, including the possibility of being rear-ended by another vehicle that is not expecting a car to stop in that location. Therefore, the correct approach when facing a lack of immediate openings in traffic is to keep moving, adjusting your speed as necessary to find a safe moment to merge.

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