How To Drive Around A Roundabout

Roundabouts are typically located at traditional intersections and have distinctive roadway designs purposefully designed to get vehicles to slow down while driving around the center circles. Roundabouts help reduce road accidents during peak commuting hours by controlling traffic flow and causing vehicles to slow down.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, a single roundabout can improve traffic capacity by 50%, it can also reduce the chances of injury-related collisions by 75% and traffic fatalities by 90%.

Not only do roundabouts improve traffic flow, but they are also economically beneficial as they make great substitutes for traffic lights which require power and occasional maintenance. As a driver, knowing how a roundabout works is crucial to approach it safely.

The Safest Way To Approach A Multi-Lane Roundabout

As you make your way toward a multi-lane roundabout, you’ll most likely come across a road sign with three arrows forming a circle on it. There should also be a speed limit sign not too far off. Once you get to the roundabout entrance, you’ll notice a dashed yield line across the pavement or a yield sign prompting you to give way to large vehicles, emergency vehicles, and cars already at the roundabout.

Remember to slow down until you match the required speed limit as you get closer to the entrance of a roundabout. Also, keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles already on the roundabout. Try to avoid accelerating all of a sudden once you join the flow of traffic, and also keep a close watch on traffic conditions to avoid any surprises. Here are a few other things to take note of:

• Before joining the traffic flow in these traffic calming circles, remember to look left and give the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles. This is highly essential when driving through residential neighborhoods.
• Don’t change lanes without due cause when driving on a roundabout
• Avoid making abrupt stops, and only use your brakes when necessary
• Stay in your lane and resist the urge to overtake other cars, especially larger vehicles, to avoid collisions.
• Ensure to drive carefully while on the roundabout and use your turn signals before exiting.

Important Things To Know About A Roundabout (Single Lane Or Multi-Lane Roundabout)

While some individuals dread the idea of driving on roundabouts when introduced to it, many get adjusted quickly once they see that it’s not all that different from regular driving. Suppose you’re doubtful as to whether you’ll be able to successfully navigate a multi-lane traffic circle or single-lane roundabout. In that case, a good solution is to have a professional show you the ropes or take driver’s ED lessons. Below are some important things to note about roundabouts.

1. They Come In Different Sizes

While driving, you’re sure to come across different kinds of roundabouts, many of which will be single-lane, multi-lane, and mini-roundabouts. Despite their differences, the rules for navigating through them are quite similar.

2. There Are Usually Road Signs To Alert Drivers Of Traffic Circles Ahead

As you drive closer to a roundabout, you’re going to find a sign by the road depicting what the roundabout ahead should look like, as well as the number of exits, where they’re positioned, and where they’ll lead you to. You must know which one to take and be well prepared to enter the correct lane as you approach the roundabout.

3. Give way to the right

At the entrance of single-lane roundabouts and multi-lane traffic circles, don’t forget to give way to the right and drive safely. Also, decelerate a little and watch the right-hand side of the road for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, semi trucks, and other vehicles to avoid fatal crashes, injury collisions, and pedestrian collisions.

Ensure to use your turn signal at a sharp or gentle curve while keeping an eye out for the indicator signals of other vehicles and watch traffic patterns closely in case they forget to cancel their signals while in the inside lane.

4. Lane positioning

Knowing the correct lane to be on as you approach a roundabout is crucial. The general criterion for driving on roundabouts is to stay in the left lane you plan on going halfway around, while the rule of thumb requires drivers to yield to traffic and stay on the right lane if they plan on going all the way around these traffic circles.

5. Signalling Is Important When Approaching Modern Roundabouts

According to Highway Safety, lane choice matters a lot as vehicles enter the roundabout ahead of them, therefore, ensure to give yourself enough time to use the appropriate vehicle signals in order or maintain the circular flow of traffic and to reduce accidents.

It’s also important to leave enough following distance between your car and behind and in front of you and always signify with your car signals if you intend on using a roundabout so that other drivers will know how to react.

6. Check Your Mirrors Before Entering Multi-Lane Roundabouts Or A Single Lane Roundabout

It’s uncommon to find stop signs or traffic signals around modern roundabouts. However, If the exit of the roundabout you’re on lies straight ahead, check your side mirrors and stay in the left lane. As you continue driving straight, remember only to use your left indicator if necessary until you reach the exit you intend to take.

7. Going Right Around The Roundabout

Always use your right indicator when you get to your designated exit to safely and successfully complete the course. To avoid causing an accident, position yourself in the correct lane and use your mirrors so you can see vehicles coming behind you. Do this till you successfully exit the roundabout.

What if you realize your are in the wrong lane?

There’s no need to panic if you find you’re in the wrong lane while navigating a roundabout. In such a situation, all you need to do is take a look at your mirrors and see if there’s a gap in traffic to allow you to position yourself in the appropriate lane. If you find that it’s not currently safe to switch to the correct lane, it’s best to keep driving in the same lane you’re in and not try to cut across as the consequences can be fatal.

Conclusion

Whenever you’re at the entrance of a roundabout, make it a point to look left and right to see if any vehicles are exiting. You also need to watch their indicators and see which direction they’re signaling to turn.

Under no circumstance must you assume what direction a vehicle is going to take out of a roundabout. You should only attempt to join a roundabout when you’re certain what direction the last vehicle at the exit is taking.