To enter an expressway safely, you should __________

The best practice for entering an expressway is to begin checking for an opening in traffic on the entrance ramp. This approach allows you to assess the speed and distance of vehicles already on the expressway, giving you a clearer idea of when it is safe to merge. By looking for a gap in the traffic as you approach the expressway, you can then adjust your speed to match that of the vehicles traveling on the expressway, ensuring a smoother and safer merging process.

While slowing down as the ramp straightens into the acceleration lane is important for adjusting your speed and safely merging, it should not be the first action taken upon entering the ramp; awareness and checking for gaps in traffic take precedence. Additionally, depending solely on other drivers moving over to accommodate you is not a safe assumption, as not all drivers will yield space, and this could lead to dangerous situations if you expect them to accommodate your entry without taking responsibility for finding a safe opening.

Thus, the emphasis is on checking your surroundings first, which establishes a proactive approach to merging onto high-speed traffic, significantly enhancing safety.