How can a driver know they can safely merge into traffic?

A driver can determine when it is safe to merge into traffic by checking for a gap in traffic. This is crucial because merging safely relies on understanding the flow of surrounding vehicles. When a driver assesses the distance and speed of vehicles in adjacent lanes, they are able to identify a sufficient gap that allows for a smooth transition into the lane without impeding the flow of traffic or causing potential hazards.

The action of simply following the car in front closely does not guarantee a safe merge, as it may lead to a lack of awareness of surrounding traffic conditions. Feeling that it is safe is subjective and not a reliable method for ensuring safety, as the driver might misjudge the speed and position of other vehicles. Only merging when the traffic light is green could be misleading, as traffic lights primarily control intersections rather than dictate the conditions needed to merge safely onto a roadway. Thus, identifying and moving into a gap in traffic ensures that the merge is done safely and effectively.