What should you do when you have cleared the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead while exiting a parallel parking space?

When you have cleared the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead while exiting a parallel parking space, merging into the traffic lane slowly is the safest and most appropriate action to take. This allows you to assess the roadway and any oncoming traffic carefully as you transition into a lane of moving vehicles. By doing so, you ensure that you are fully aware of your surroundings and can make informed decisions to avoid potential collisions.

Taking this cautious approach also respects the flow of traffic and minimizes disruption to other drivers. It gives you the opportunity to gauge the speed and movement of vehicles approaching from behind, allowing for a smoother merge into the lane.

Other actions, such as accelerating quickly or stopping to wait for another vehicle, may create dangerous situations. Accelerating abruptly into traffic could lead to loss of control or accidents, while waiting unnecessarily may impede the flow of traffic. Checking traffic again after clearing the bumper is still essential, but merging slowly affords you the best visibility and time to react, promoting safety for both you and other road users.