What should a driver do when oncoming traffic is present while merging?

When merging into traffic, particularly with oncoming vehicles present, yielding to the oncoming traffic is crucial for safety. This action ensures that you do not disrupt the flow of traffic or create a hazardous situation. Yielding allows you to assess the speed and distance of approaching vehicles, ensuring that you can merge safely without forcing other drivers to make sudden adjustments to their speed or direction.

Stopping until traffic clears may seem like a good option in certain cases, but it can create confusion and be dangerous if vehicles behind you are not expecting you to halt. Similarly, accelerating to merge quickly can lead to risky situations, as it might encourage reckless driving or create an impression of urgency that could compromise safety. Proceeding without looking is never an option, as it disregards the fundamental principles of safe driving, including awareness of one's surroundings and adherence to traffic rules.

Therefore, yielding to oncoming traffic is the best approach, as it prioritizes safety for all road users and maintains a smooth traffic flow.