Highway Merging | Steer Clear | State Farm®

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(Text on screen)
Highway Merging

(Announcer: Male voice)
Highway merging doesn't have to be as 
scary as it may seem. Follow these steps 
to arm yourself with confidence.
 
(IMAGE)
An animated car is seen driving down 
an animated roadway. Next, multiple vehicles 
are seen. A sign warns of an upcoming 
lane reduction. One of the cars signals 
to change lane and then does so. 
Next, we see an overview scene of traffic. 
One car is seeking to merge into the traffic. 
It accelerates on the ramp and signals that 
it will merge to the left. The car’s areas of 
visibility and blinds spots are indicated. 
The car merges. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
The first step for safe merging is checking 
the current volume of traffic on the highway. 
Use the on ramp as an acceleration lane 
to match the speed of the traffic with which 
you're merging, staying within the posted 
speed limit. Next, put on your turn indicator 
to alert people of your intent to merge. 
Then, check your mirrors and blind spots. 
Remember to look twice. And don't depend solely 
on technology, such as blind spot detectors. 
And finally, when it's safe, merge into an 
open gap, leaving as much space 
around your car as possible. 

(Text on screen)
Common Merging Concerns

(IMAGE)
A car is getting ready to merge from a 
ramp into traffic. Another car approaches 
on the ramp, but the second car slows down 
and lets the first car merge before the 
second car speeds up. A cushion of space 
between them is indicated. After the first car 
merges into traffic, the second one follows.
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
Watch out for these common merging concerns. 
While in the acceleration lane, let the car in 
front of you gain distance from you and start 
to accelerate before you do. This will create 
extra space between your two cars, so 
both of you can safely enter the interstate.  
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
When you're in the acceleration lane, wait 
to merge until you pass the end of the 
solid white line. Don't stay in the acceleration 
lane longer than necessary. With practice, 
you should be able to identify and adjust 
to the speeds of surrounding vehicles.
 
(IMAGE) 
A car pulls along an open space in traffic. 
The car’s blind spots are indicated. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
Make a habit of checking blind spots by 
turning your head, checking your mirrors, 
then doing two head checks is a more reliable
way to check your blind spots, rather 
than using technology or your mirrors alone. 

(Text on screen)
Things to Remember When Exiting

(IMAGES)
Vehicles approach signs that say “Through Lane” 
and “Through Land” and “Exit” overhead. 
One car signals and then moves to the right-hand 
lane, then signals again and takes the exit. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
Next, here are some things to remember 
when you exit the freeway. First and foremost, 
don't slow down or tap the brake until 
your car has moved into the exit lane, 
also known as the deceleration lane. 
This will help others who are driving the 
speed limit to avoid having to slow down 
for you. Carefully make your way into the 
far right lane, using your signal to convey your 
intent, and look for your exit sign. 
The last exit sign will have the arrow pointing 
in the exit direction, so remember to signal 
when you see it. Within the first third of the 
exit ramp take your speed down to the 
recommended speed limit 
on the posted yellow sign. 

(IMAGE)
A 35 MPH ramp sign is seen alongside the road. 
Then, the overhead signs are seen. “Through Lane” 
and “Through Lane” and “Exit 1” are 
situated above the lanes. A car whips 
over multiple lanes to get to the exit lane. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
Never cut across multiple lanes of traffic 
at the last second to avoid missing your exit. 
It's much safer to take the next one than 
to endanger yourself and others. Pay attention 
to road signs well before your exit to 
ensure you're in the correct lane. 

(IMAGE)
Multiple cars are seen from above, 
many of them in the exit lane. 
Not every car is able to enter the exit. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
During high traffic times, ramps may 
become crowded with exiting traffic. 
You may need to wait until the 
next off ramp to exit.  
 
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