How should a driver prepare to merge onto a freeway?

In order to merge safely onto a freeway, a driver must follow a specific set of actions that ensure both their safety and the safety of other motorists. Checking mirrors allows the driver to be aware of their surroundings, including any vehicles that may be in the adjacent lanes. Signaling is crucial as it communicates the driver's intention to other road users, which is essential for maintaining safety. Finally, adjusting speed to match the highway traffic is vital, as it helps to blend into the flow of vehicles on the freeway. This practice reduces the risk of accidents that can occur due to drastic speed differences between vehicles merging on and those already traveling on the highway.

The other options suggest unsafe practices. Rapidly changing lanes without ensuring a safe gap can lead to collisions. Stopping on the entrance ramp is dangerous, as it can cause a traffic hazard and disrupt the flow of incoming traffic. Ignoring traffic and merging at any speed is also highly unsafe, as it increases the likelihood of accidents due to unpredictable movements. Therefore, the correct approach combines awareness, signaling, and speed adjustment to facilitate a smooth and safe merge onto the freeway.