What factors should be considered when deciding whether to merge into traffic?

When deciding whether to merge into traffic, it's essential to assess the speed of surrounding vehicles and the gaps in traffic. Understanding the speed of the vehicles around you helps in determining whether it is safe to merge without disrupting the flow of traffic. If other vehicles are traveling at a higher speed, merging too quickly can lead to dangerous situations or accidents.

Additionally, identifying appropriate gaps in traffic is crucial for a smooth and safe merge. A gap that is too small may force you to adjust your speed abruptly, creating hazards for yourself and others. The ability to judge these factors effectively contributes to making safe driving decisions, ensuring that you can integrate into traffic without compromising safety for yourself or surrounding drivers.

The other options do not encompass the critical aspects of safe merging. Focusing only on the color of traffic lights does not address the dynamics of moving vehicles. Relying solely on the time of day does not provide relevant information about traffic conditions, which can vary significantly regardless of the hour. Lastly, the likelihood of receiving a ticket is not a direct consideration for safety and merges into traffic; rather, the focus should be on the immediate physical environment and vehicle behavior.