What is the purpose of an acceleration lane?

The purpose of an acceleration lane is to allow vehicles to build up speed before merging onto a highway or faster-moving traffic. This lane is typically found at the entrance to highways and provides drivers the opportunity to align their speed with that of vehicles already on the road. By accelerating in this designated lane, drivers can safely merge into the flow of traffic without drastically disrupting the speed of other vehicles. This minimizes the risk of accidents during the merging process and promotes smoother traffic flow.

In contrast, other options suggest uses that are not aligned with the function of an acceleration lane. For instance, parking space is not typical in this context, as it would create hazards for moving traffic. Similarly, a breakdown lane serves a different purpose, intended for emergency stops, while a lane solely for emergency vehicles does not reflect the design and intent of acceleration lanes.