The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. To match the traffic-flow when you reach the highway.
An entrance ramp, which often includes an acceleration lane, serves a specific and crucial function for road safety. Its primary purpose is to allow a driver entering a highway or freeway to increase their vehicle’s speed to a rate that is comparable with the vehicles already traveling on that roadway. This process is essential for a safe and smooth merge. By getting up to speed before entering the main lanes, a driver can blend into the traffic with minimal disruption.
Attempting to merge at a speed significantly lower than the flow of traffic is extremely hazardous. It forces the drivers already on the highway to brake suddenly or make abrupt lane changes to avoid a collision. This can create a dangerous ripple effect, potentially leading to chain reaction accidents. The entrance ramp provides the dedicated space and time needed to observe the traffic, find a safe gap, and adjust your speed accordingly. The goal is to make your entry into the lane as seamless as possible, becoming part of the existing traffic pattern without causing others to react to your presence.
The other options are incorrect for clear reasons. Option A, to create a traffic jam, is the opposite of the ramp’s intended function. Properly used ramps help prevent congestion. Option B, to see how fast you can get to 70 mph, is reckless. The target speed is not a fixed number but is dictated by the current speed of highway traffic and the posted speed limit. Driving should always be about adapting to conditions, not racing to an arbitrary speed. Therefore, the fundamental mission is to safely integrate your vehicle by matching the speed of the surrounding traffic.
