What are the steps for planning and actually moving your vehicle into traffic?

My Opinion; Plan where you want to go, Look at the traffic in the area you wish to travel, Observe the traffic in front and behind and on side of you, Look for several potential positions you can merge into, Begin to accelerate to match the traffic speed to easily blend into the speed of the traffic, Use actual observations (look over your left shoulder, try to make eye contact) and use your mirrors, Use your directional signals, merge into traffic. NOTES: You may have observed a potential place to merge but have an alternative plan if that merge spot is not there and please DO NOT STOP on an entrance ramp. Always drive defensively and watch everywhere, often.