What should you do as you enter the deceleration lane or exit ramp?

As you enter the deceleration lane or exit ramp, it is essential to slow down and maintain a safe cushion of space. This action allows you to reduce your speed appropriately in preparation for a turn or exit, ensuring that you can navigate the ramp safely without risking collision with vehicles that may be traveling at higher speeds on the main roadway.

By slowing down, you also provide yourself with the necessary time and distance to assess the traffic conditions, making it easier to merge safely into the flow of vehicles exiting the highway. Maintaining a safe cushion of space means you are keeping enough distance from other vehicles, enabling you to react to any sudden changes in traffic patterns, which is crucial for safe driving.

Accelerating quickly is inadvisable as it can lead to instability and difficulty controlling your vehicle on a ramp designed for a reduction in speed. Merging into the lane immediately can compromise safety if you have not adjusted your speed or checked for oncoming traffic. Stopping to check for traffic, while it may seem prudent, is not appropriate in this context as it can lead to dangerous situations for both yourself and other drivers, especially on a high-speed roadway.