How should a driver respond to a tractor-trailer merging onto a highway?

When a tractor-trailer is merging onto a highway, reducing speed to allow the truck to merge safely is the most responsible and safe response. Large trucks require more space and time to merge compared to standard vehicles due to their size and weight. Slowing down gives the truck driver the necessary gap to merge smoothly into the flow of traffic, which helps maintain safety for all road users.

If a driver were to accelerate to stay ahead, they could inadvertently create a dangerous situation, as it may force the truck to adjust its speed or position unexpectedly. Ignoring the truck and maintaining speed could also lead to potential collisions since the merging truck requires space. Merging into a different lane might be wise in some situations, but if there is no safe opportunity to do so, reducing speed is the most effective way to accommodate the merging vehicle. Overall, responding by reducing speed fosters a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.