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14 minute read Published on Jan 17, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
For first-time drivers, merging onto the highway can be a daunting experience. With an accelerated speed limit and lots of other vehicles around, in order to smoothly merge onto the highway you'll need to combine merging maneuvers and safe driving habits to make sure you and other drivers can get to where you need to know. To learn more about how to merge smoothly, take a look through our step-by-step guide below.
Before we get into the best way to merge onto the highway, there are two types of traffic merging techniques you need to be aware of:
This type of merge typically designates a single lane or open lane as having the right of way.. Drivers in the other lane will signal their intent and wait for an opening from other cars to make the lane change into moving traffic.
With a zipper merge, there are two lanes involved. However, unlike the previous example, both lanes in a zipper merge have the right of way. So, how does zipper merging work? Essentially, moving vehicles will continue driving in their lane until there is a point of closure. At this point, vehicles merge with other cars, one in front of the other, similar to how a zipper works.
While both a zipper merge and an early merge are possible, a zipper merge tends to be more efficient, given that the entire lane is occupied until the lane ends and the zipper merge occurs. Ultimately, this can help reduce heavy traffic flow during peak times of the day.
By following this step-by-step merging guide, driving on the highway for the first time will be a breeze. Here's what you need to do:
To merge onto the highway, you'll begin your journey in the acceleration lane, also known as the merge lane. Unlike other lanes, the acceleration lane is designed specifically to give the driver merging onto the highway enough distance and space to reach their intended speed before they change lanes. Follow these steps when entering the acceleration lane:
You guessed it, the acceleration lane is where you're going to begin increasing your speed. Gently press on your gas pedal until you reach the speed of other traffic on the highway.
Unless there is heavy traffic or emergency vehicles present, the merging lane should never be at a standstill. However, you still need to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to brake suddenly should a driver in front of you slam on their brakes.
Make sure you pay attention to any signs or signals that may be posted along with the standard merge sign. The warning signs will give you an idea about what to expect in the lane ahead of you and inform you of any traffic conditions you need to be aware of.
As we said, acceleration lanes are meant to allow drivers to reach a steady speed that matches moving traffic. Reaching the same speed as other drivers is what's going to allow you to merge safely and avoid potential mishaps. Here are some tips to ensure you reach the same speed while you're in the acceleration lane correctly:
To locate a safe gap in the other lane, you need to be aware of your surroundings and make sure your timing is right:
Once you've checked your mirrors, perform a shoulder check to ensure there are no other drivers in your blind spot. There are blind spots on either side of your vehicle. A blind spot is an area where you will not be able to see with your mirrors.
Here are the steps you should take when performing a shoulder check:
Deep breath. It's not time to merge safely onto the highway. Here are some tips on what to do when you get there:
When it comes to merging traffic, the Motor Vehicle Act regulations do not state that cars on the left lanes are responsible for slowing down and allowing other cars into their lane. That being said, most drivers will allow merging traffic into their lane ahead of them as it helps maintain the flow of traffic and prevents accidents.
High-speed accidents that occur on highways are some of the most severe collisions. And unfortunately, they're also some of the most common occurrences in Canada. So, what are the major causes of highway accidents? Here's a closer look at behaviours you need to avoid:
Navigating highway traffic can be challenging, especially when merging. Make sure you're confident and well-protected every mile of the way. At BrokerLink, we're here to help you with expert guidance on safe merging techniques and to provide you with comprehensive car insurance coverage.
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So, you've just been in an accident on the highway due to a wild animal. Beyond ensuring you and your passengers are safe and assessing the damage to your vehicle, you may be wondering, "Is hitting an animal on the highway covered by my car insurance?" The short answer is yes. You will have coverage from your insurance company if you have comprehensive car insurance.
Comprehensive car insurance is an optional insurance policy that you would have needed to request from your agent at the time you renewed your auto insurance. With comprehensive insurance, you'll be covered for any vehicle damages that occur as a result of a non-collision event, provided that the peril is listed in your specific policy. Common perils included in comprehensive policies include theft, vandalism, fire damage, damage from animals, and severe weather.
Therefore, if you've been in an accident on the highway and a wild animal has caused damage to your vehicle, you will be able to start an insurance claim with your provider. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a deductible to your insurance company before they cover the remaining repair costs.
Under the Motor Vehicle Act, several driving behaviours are prohibited. So, what types of traffic tickets are there? Here's a closer look at some you should know:
Careless driving tickets are different from dangerous or distracted driving tickets. To get this type of traffic ticket, you'd need to be behaving in a way that was "careless." For example, speeding, texting and driving, tailgating, running a stop sign or red light, and other similar offences that can put drivers at risk.
Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic fines Canadians receive. Speed limits are meant to reflect the surrounding environment, whether it be a school zone, highway, municipal road, or other areas. By not following posted limits, you can put yourself, pedestrians, and other drivers at risk, which is why these types of tickets tend to be hefty and are meant to deter drivers from speeding in the future.
Driving without insurance is another type of ticket that can result in severe consequences. All motorists in Canada must hold minimum insurance requirements in order to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. Without valid insurance, you can seriously impact your interests and finances in the event you get into a car accident.
Dangerous driving occurs when a driver causes harm or damage to a third party while operating a motor vehicle. This includes hit-and-run accidents, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and other related behaviours.
When you aren't driving on a highway, there is a chance you'll be sharing the road with bicycles. Sharing the road with bicycles and practicing safe driving habits is a must if you want to keep yourself and others from harm. Here are some tips to keep in mind when bikes are sharing the road with you:
Before turning, check your mirrors and make sure you're aware of any blind spots. When at a stop sign or a red light, come to a full stop to allow bikes to pass and look for any hidden riders.
When passing bicycles, make sure to do so slowly and provide lots of room to prevent any collisions.
Bike lanes are only for those operating bicycles. If you are driving a car, you are not legally permitted to enter the bike lane as it can put people at risk of injuries.
To prevent accidents, make it a habit to give bikes the right of way. Just make sure to make eye contact with the cyclist to confirm that you are yielding and allowing them to proceed.
Make sure to keep an eye out for children. Often, they are harder to spot and can be hidden in your blind spots. Additionally, because they are less experienced, they may not pay as much attention to their surroundings.
If you're on the highway and changing lanes, there could be motorcycles near you that you'll need to be aware of. Unlike vehicles, motorcycles offer more risks, which is why it's your responsibility as a driver to ensure they are safe while sharing the road with you. So, when it comes to sharing the road with motorcycles, what can you do as a motorist to maintain safety? Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind next time you're behind the wheel:
Similar to bicycles, when it comes to sharing the road with a motorcycle, it's imperative that you check your blind spots and mirrors. Motorcycles are lower to the ground and smaller than other cars and may be harder to see when merging or switching lanes. Take your time merging and spend a few seconds checking each of your car's blind spots before continuing with your intended merging maneuvers.
Never pass another motorcycle in the exact same lane as you. They have a legal right to their own lane, and passing them can throw them off course and cause them to crash. Treat them the same way you would any other passing car.
Make sure you keep a safe distance from motorcycles. Colliding with a motorcycle can be fatal for the rider, especially if you are driving a big, heavy car or truck.
Taking a left turn can be challenging, especially with heavy traffic. Because motorcycles are small, it can be hard to see them. Check your blind spots with a shoulder check and your mirrors before turning.
When it comes to braking,& motorcycle drivers may not activate their brakes right away, so don't anticipate seeing their brake lights immediately. Motorcyclists can reduce speed by releasing the throttle or downshifting, allowing their speed to drop without ever hitting the brakes. Maintain focus and stay calm. Gauge their speed and follow suit to avoid collisions.
Driving over the speed limit is illegal, and in the unfortunate event you get pulled over by a police officer, you're likely to face hefty fines. Beyond a traditional speeding ticket, there are also speed camera tickets, which raises the question, do speed camera tickets affect insurance rates for drivers in Canada? The short answer is no. A speed camera ticket will not have an impact on your insurance rates. Because the camera can't prove who the driver was, they aren't able to correctly penalize the owner of the insurance plan. As a result, the driver of the vehicle who is caught speeding using a speed camera will not receive any demerit points on their driver's licence.
Whether you're driving on a residential road or merging onto the highway, all drivers in Canada are required to hold valid car insurance. While the minimum coverage requirements will range between provinces and territories, most drivers tend to purchase additional policies to supplement their basic insurance plans.
Here's a closer look at mandatory and optional types of auto insurance in Canada:
With multiple auto insurance policies available, it can be difficult to determine which ones fit your needs and budget accordingly. At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable insurance policies in which they can feel confident. With access to some of Canada's top insurance companies, a broker from our team can help you customize your policies and coverage limits, access discounts, and answer any questions you may have along the way, like "What do yellow speed limit signs mean?" and more.
To learn more about the options available to you, come visit one of our brokers in person at one of our many locations across the country! You can always reach us over the phone if you aren't close by.
Alternatively, if you're looking for insurance solutions from the comfort of your own home, feel free to use our free online quote tool to get a competitive insurance quote right away!