Washington State Department of Licensing Knowledge Test

If traffic is merging onto the roadway you are traveling on, what is the appropriate action to take?

1. Speed up to avoid merging traffic

2. Honk your horn to alert others

3. Adjust your speed and vehicle position to allow the traffic to merge

4. Maintain your speed without any changes

The correct answer is: Adjust your speed and vehicle position to allow the traffic to merge

When traffic is merging onto the roadway you are traveling on, adjusting your speed and vehicle position to allow the merging traffic to enter safely is the most appropriate action. This approach promotes safety and smooth traffic flow, ensuring that both existing drivers and merging vehicles can navigate the situation without conflict. By making space for the merging vehicle, you contribute to a more courteous driving environment and help prevent potential accidents that may occur if merging traffic is forced to adapt abruptly to existing traffic conditions. Choosing to speed up to avoid merging traffic could lead to dangerous situations, such as high-speed collisions. Honking your horn may not effectively communicate your intentions and could unnecessarily provoke anxiety in other drivers. Maintaining your speed without adjusting for merging traffic could also pose safety risks, as it does not accommodate the incoming vehicles, which may lead to sudden braking or collisions.