Commencing on the Highway: A Guide for Drivers

In the fast-paced world of British highways, a common dilemma arises for drivers when merging lanes. According to the police and ADAC, if a merge fails, it's recommended to proceed with caution over the shoulder until a safe gap in traffic is found. This practice, however, finds itself in a legal gray area.

The Highway Code, a set of rules governing road use, mandates that drivers should stop at the end of an on-ramp if there's no gap in the flowing traffic. Yet, in situations where drivers must react quickly, they find themselves caught between the rule and the pursuit of safety.

This conflict between traffic safety and the rule becomes particularly noticeable at the end of on-ramps. Drivers, faced with the choice, often find themselves in a predicament: adhere to the rule and potentially enter an unsafe traffic situation, or drive pragmatically and risk violating the Highway Code.

This pragmatic approach, while seemingly safer in practice, contradicts the clear provisions of the Highway Code. The potential consequences of sudden stopping on the highway can lead to rear-end collisions or hazardous braking maneuvers.

Despite the ambiguity, it's important to note that the last update to the traffic regulations regarding entering highways and using the shoulder has not been explicitly stated in the provided search results.

In conclusion, navigating the British highways can sometimes feel like a balancing act between traffic safety and adherence to the rule. Drivers must remain vigilant, make informed decisions, and remember that safety should always be the top priority.