What should you avoid doing when returning to the road after having left it?

When preparing to return to the road after having left it, it is important to focus on maintaining control of the vehicle. Turning the wheel too sharply can lead to loss of control, making it difficult to navigate back onto the roadway safely. This type of action could cause the vehicle to swerve or even lead to a rollover, especially if the surface of the shoulder is not stable or if there are any obstacles nearby.

Maintaining a gentle and steady steering motion is essential for smoothly merging back into traffic. This helps ensure that the vehicle transitions back onto the road surface at an appropriate angle and speed, allowing for safer integration with other vehicles. Other actions, such as braking suddenly or looking at your mirrors, while they do require attention, do not inherently compromise the ability to return to the road when performed correctly. Gaining speed also can be part of making a safe return, provided it is done cautiously and in accordance with the flow of traffic. Thus, avoiding sharp turns contributes to a safer merging process.