Texas Defensive Driving Written Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT considered a safe merging practice?

1. Using turn signals to indicate merging

2. Checking mirrors before merging

3. Accelerating to cut off other drivers

4. Looking over your shoulder before changing lanes

The correct answer is: Accelerating to cut off other drivers

Using turn signals to indicate merging is an essential practice because it communicates your intentions to other drivers. This transparency helps to prevent accidents as other drivers can respond appropriately when they know you plan to change lanes or merge. Checking mirrors before merging is another critical practice. It allows you to assess the space around your vehicle and determine whether it is safe to merge into the desired lane. This habit plays a vital role in maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Looking over your shoulder before changing lanes is also crucial. This action provides a final check for any blind spots that mirrors may not fully cover, helping ensure that you are not moving into the path of another vehicle. In contrast, accelerating to cut off other drivers is not a safe merging practice. This behavior endangers both yourself and others on the road and goes against the principles of defensive driving, which emphasize safety and consideration for other road users. Safe merging practices encourage cooperation among drivers to maintain a smooth flow of traffic and reduce the risk of collisions.