How should you react if traffic is merging into your lane from an on-ramp while you are driving?

Maintaining your speed and allowing merging traffic is the safest and most courteous response when vehicles are merging into your lane from an on-ramp. This approach acknowledges that the merging vehicles have the right to enter the roadway, especially when they are following proper merging procedures.

By maintaining your speed, you help create a smoother flow of traffic, reducing the risk of sudden stops or erratic driving that could lead to accidents. It also encourages merging vehicles to gauge the speed and distance of your vehicle better, allowing them to merge safely.

While changing lanes might sometimes be an option, it may not always be safe or possible if there is not enough space or if it's unsafe to do so based on surrounding traffic. Accelerating to prevent merging can lead to dangerous situations, as it creates more conflict on the roadway. Similarly, signaling for merging vehicles to proceed may lead to confusion if they misinterpret your intentions.

Thus, allowing merging traffic while maintaining your speed is a proactive strategy contributing to overall safety on the road.