Final answer:
When entering a gap in highway traffic, always check behind and then the vehicles ahead to ensure a safe merge. Speeding up and expecting other vehicles to make way is dangerous and focusing only on the vehicles behind is insufficient for assessing traffic safely.
Step-by-step explanation:
To enter a gap in highway traffic, it is important to execute the maneuver safely and efficiently. The correct course of action is to check behind, then watch the vehicle ahead before merging. This ensures that you are aware of the traffic around you, both behind and in front of the gap you are aiming for.
You should never speed up and expect other vehicles to make way, as this can lead to dangerous situations and potential accidents. It is also unwise to focus solely on the vehicles behind the gap because it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the entire traffic situation around you to make a safe merge.
Additionally, the behavior of drivers can change when they know they are being observed, akin to someone driving differently when followed by a police car. Therefore, staying alert and attentive to real-time traffic conditions is essential for safe driving.