A computer-implemented method for controlling a vehicle system of a host vehicle merging into a lane. The method includes determining an actual distance between the host vehicle and the one or more remote vehicles. The actual distance is a longitudinal distance between the host vehicle and the one or more remote vehicles. The method includes determining a safe distance for merging into the lane based on a relative position of the host vehicle to the one or more remote vehicles, a speed of the host vehicle, and a speed of the one or more remote vehicles. The safe distance is a second longitudinal distance between the host vehicle and the one or more remote vehicles. The method includes controlling the vehicle system of the host vehicle to assist a merge maneuver by the host vehicle according to the actual distance and the safe distance.