There are clear rules for merging onto a highway. If there is a crash and you were the driver merging, there is a good chance you may be found at fault. This is because the merging driver is required to yield to traffic already on the highway. If you are merging onto a highway and have an accident, it is likely an at-fault accident would go on your driving record and would contribute to an increase in auto insurance costs when your policy renews.
Merging works best when all drivers understand their role.
If you are merging onto a highway, you do not have the right of way. This means you cannot force freeway traffic to “let you in.” Your job is to signal, use the ramp to reach a safe speed, look for a safe gap, and yield to vehicles already on the highway. If a car on the highway is close enough to be a danger, you must adjust your speed and merge safely. Do not assume another driver will move over or slow down for you.
If you are already driving on the highway near an on-ramp, you usually have the right of way. This means you may continue driving legally in your lane. The merging driver must adjust to you if your vehicle is close enough to be a hazard. However, having the right of way does not mean you can be unsafe. You should not speed up or slow down just to block someone from merging. If you cannot move left, the best choice is often to keep a steady speed.
Trying to be “nice” can cause confusion. I have slowed down to let someone merge, while at the same time they slowed down to merge behind me. That made the situation worse. If I had kept a steady speed, they could have planned their merge more easily.
If you have points on your driving record from some unlawful merging, your insurance may not change until renewal. That is a good reason to talk with your insurance agent and ask what options may help lower your cost.