Proper Merging 

Merging onto a highway can be tricky and cooperation between the drivers in the merging lane and those on the highway is the key.  From July 13th to July 19th the Medicine Hat Police Service safety messaging trailer will be reminding drivers of this by displaying “To Join the Flow – Merge Safely”. 

Merging requires that you time your approach and smoothly blend in with the other traffic.  This may require adjusting your speed so that, when you reach the end of the acceleration lane, you have a gap in traffic, which will permit you to enter the flow of traffic safely. 

Do not slow down or stop when you come to the end of the acceleration lane!  This lane was designed to bring your vehicle up to the speed of the highway traffic.  The drivers behind you are expecting you to continue moving ahead.  If you slow down or stop your vehicle may be rear-ended. 

Here are some tips on how to merge safely:

• Check the traffic flow on the highway
• As your vehicle enters the acceleration lane, signal left
• Choose your entry space
• Accelerate to the speed of the highway traffic
• Keep checking the gap and any following vehicles
• Move into the gap but remember to wait until you pass the solid white line
• Turn off your signal

Highway drivers need to make room.  It is recommended that drivers already on the highway should, whenever possible and when safe to do so, move to the left-hand lane when approaching an acceleration lane. This leaves the right lane clear for merging vehicles to enter onto the highway safely.