What is the correct response when merging onto a freeway?

When merging onto a freeway, matching the speed of traffic is crucial for ensuring a safe and smooth transition. This practice minimizes disruptions and helps maintain the flow of vehicles on the freeway. By accelerating to the speed of existing traffic, you reduce the likelihood of causing accidents, as other drivers expect vehicles to enter at a similar pace.

Adjusting your speed to match that of the vehicles in the lane you are merging into allows for easier integration into the flow of traffic, reducing the chances of sudden braking or lane changes that can lead to collisions. It also aids in maintaining the expected dynamics of traffic patterns, promoting a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

This approach contrasts with the other options: slowing down could create confusion and lead to accidents, stopping before merging could be dangerous as it might not be safe or allowed, and merging quickly without regard for speed could catch other drivers off guard, increasing the risk of a crash. Thus, matching traffic speed is the optimal and safest strategy for merging onto a freeway.