Final answer:
The BEST way to merge onto an interstate highway includes adjusting the speed to match the traffic flow, signaling appropriately, and checking mirrors and blind spots before merging. Merging into the furthermost lane from oncoming traffic provides safest entry. Understanding the history of the interstate system is key to appreciating present-day traffic management strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The BEST way to handle merging onto an interstate highway involves a series of important steps to ensure safety and efficiency. Initially, a driver should identify the merge point early and adjust speed to match the flow of traffic on the interstate. This means increasing speed on the on-ramp to safely align with vehicles on the highway. As vehicles come onto the interstate, the goal is to merge without causing the flow of traffic to slow down significantly. Drivers should use turn signals to indicate their intention to merge, and check mirrors and blind spots carefully before entering a lane. Finally, merging smoothly into the appropriate lane, ideally the furthermost lane from oncoming traffic like the 'rabbit', provides the safest entry onto the interstate, though it's crucial to be vigilant of all surrounding vehicles, including those in other lanes. In areas with heavy traffic or complex road systems, solutions such as a 10-second merge window may be reasonable to prevent accidents and ensure a seamless transition onto the interstate.
Understanding the development of the interstate highway system is valuable in appreciating modern traffic management. The construction of these highways, particularly after the Federal Highway Act was passed in 1956, has played an enormous role in shaping domestic transportation. The design and construction of these road networks have aimed to enable high-speed traffic movement, linking towns and facilitating long-distance travel, but also have affected the landscape of small towns and cities. Analyzing the advantages and consequences of such systems helps to understand the various factors at play during interstate merging and driving.