When entering the deceleration lane, what should you do?

When entering the deceleration lane, maintaining a safe cushion of space ahead and behind your vehicle is essential for several reasons. First, the deceleration lane is designed to allow drivers to slow down safely before exiting the roadway. As you enter this lane, it's crucial to be cognizant of other vehicles around you, which can be moving at different speeds. Keeping a safe distance enhances your reaction time and provides flexibility should you need to adjust your speed or maneuver.

This practice also contributes to overall road safety. By ensuring a proper following distance, you reduce the likelihood of collisions caused by sudden stops or slowdowns. This cautious approach allows drivers following you and those in adjacent lanes to anticipate your actions, thereby reducing confusion and potential accidents.

While other options may suggest actions that could lead to unsafe driving behavior—such as speeding up or maintaining speed inappropriately—the correct approach emphasizes prudence and awareness of your surroundings, which are vital when changing lanes or exiting.