Navigating Roundabouts: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Roundabouts

Roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents at intersections. They operate on a simple principle: vehicles enter the roundabout and circulate around a central island, yielding to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Key Rules for Roundabouts

• Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout: Always give way to vehicles that are already circulating within the roundabout.
• Signal your intentions: Use your turn signal to indicate your desired exit or if you plan to change lanes within the roundabout.
• Enter the correct lane: Choose the appropriate lane based on your intended exit.
• Be aware of pedestrians: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks within the roundabout.
• Avoid stopping in the roundabout: Stopping in the roundabout can disrupt traffic flow and cause accidents.
• Change lanes cautiously: Use your turn signals and check for blind spots before changing lanes within the roundabout.
• Maintain a steady speed: Avoid sudden braking or acceleration while in the roundabout.

Specific Scenarios

• Turning left: Enter the roundabout in the left lane and signal your intention to turn left. Continue signaling until you've exited the roundabout.
• Turning right: Enter the roundabout in the right lane and signal your intention to turn right. Continue signaling until you've passed the exit prior to your desired exit. If practical, signal left to exit the roundabout.
• Going straight: Enter the roundabout in the appropriate lane for your desired exit. There is no need to indicate when going straight through a roundabout until you have passed the exit prior to your desired exit. If practicable indicate left to exit the roundabout (mandatory for dual lane roundabouts, or dual lane exits).  

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

• Follow lane markings: Multi-lane roundabouts have clear lane markings to guide you. Follow the arrows and signs to determine which lane to use.
• Exit in the correct lane: When exiting a multi-lane roundabout, ensure you're in the appropriate lane for your desired exit.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

• Failing to yield: One of the most common mistakes is failing to yield to vehicles already in the roundabout. Remember, always give way to vehicles that are already circulating.
• Incorrect lane choice: Entering the wrong lane can lead to confusion and delays. Pay attention to the lane markings and your intended exit.
• Blocking traffic: Stopping or driving slowly in the roundabout can obstruct traffic flow. Maintain a steady speed and avoid blocking other vehicles.
• Ignoring pedestrian crossings: Remember to yield to pedestrians crossing before entering and when exitingthe roundabout.