How to Safely Enter a Highway with a Commercial Vehicle

If you’re gearing up to tackle your New Hampshire Commercial Driver's License (CDL), one of the key lessons is how to merge onto highways. Now, merging might seem like a simple thing, but when you’re behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, it becomes a whole different ballgame.

Get Ready to Roll!

When you approach an on-ramp, here’s the thing: your goal is to match the speed of the highway traffic before merging. So, what do you do? You use that on-ramp! It’s not just an added stretch of road; it’s your launching pad. Accelerating on the on-ramp allows you to hit the highway speed—typically 55-65 mph in New Hampshire—before you blend in with the flow of cars. And let’s be real—who wants to cut into traffic going 30 when others are zooming past at highway speeds?

Imagine for a second the highway as a dance floor. If one partner is out of sync, things can get messy fast. By entering at the right speed, you keep everyone moving smoothly. No one wants to stomp on toes—or worse, cause an accident!

Avoiding the Pitfalls

Now, you might wonder why we’re stressing this point. Well, let’s look at the alternatives. If you were to merge straight from the shoulder, or stop at the end of the on-ramp waiting for a good moment, that could spell disaster.

• Stopping can confuse other drivers who might expect you to join the flow. Not good!

• Merging from the shoulder? That’s like trying to merge onto a dance floor right at the back while everyone’s grooving at the front. It disrupts the beat and raises the risk of accidents.

• And waiting for signals from other drivers? You might think you’re being cautious, but relying too heavily on them could put you—and others—at risk.

Stay Observant

While you’re on that ramp, make sure you’re doing more than just speeding up. Keep those eyes peeled! Check your mirrors. Look at the cars around you. Are they speeding up? Slowing down? This is your moment to assess the situation and decide your strategy. You don’t want to surprise anyone by jamming into their lane!

The Bigger Picture

You know what? Merging isn’t just about you and your vehicle. It’s about maintaining the rhythm of the road. Commercial vehicles—like the ones you’ll be driving—have larger stopping distances and take longer to accelerate. So, cruising in and blending at the right speed doesn’t just protect you; it preserves harmony for everyone sharing that pavement. Think of it as being a good neighbor rather than a disruptive guest.

Bring It All Together

In essence, mastering the art of highway entry with your commercial vehicle is crucial for your safety and the safety of others. As you prep for that CDL test, remember: use the on-ramp to accelerate to highway speed before merging. It’s simple, effective, and the key to smooth sailing on those busy highways of New Hampshire.

So, before you hit the road, make it a point to practice this skill. It might just save lives—and it’ll definitely keep your driving record squeaky clean! Let’s hit the road with confidence and smart maneuvers, shall we?