Roundabouts are becoming more common
across the country every year. These intersections move traffic around a
raised circular island. They are designed to maximize safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike by
slowing traffic and preventing high-risk crashes, including head-on and T-bone
crashes. And with less delay than typical traffic lights. Roundabouts can be single lane or multilane. There are several important things to remember in order to successfully navigate any
roundabout. [Sgt. Brad Drayna] The first and most important thing to remember is slow down. Roundabouts are designed for
average traffic speed of just 20 miles per hour or less. Taking it slow in a roundabout
will also give you plenty of time to make the appropriate navigational
decisions. The next thing to remember is to yield. Roundabouts rely on the yield principle
to facilitate traffic flow. Yield signs caution drivers to slow
down and stop for vehicles already in the
roundabout. Remember to yield to all lanes of traffic within the
roundabout and always assume that they will cross your intended path.
Assuming a driver will turn can cause accidents that can be easily
avoided. Most roundabouts have crosswalks on the approaches and exits. Always stop for pedestrians or bicyclists within the crosswalks. With those two key concepts in mind it's time to navigate a multi-lane
roundabout. Most roundabouts can easily be recognized by the yellow
advance warning sign. The sign alerts drivers that they are
approaching a roundabout. As with any intersection, drivers need
to choose the appropriate lane as they approach the roundabout. Signs and pavement markings are designed to help drivers make the appropriate choice. Choose your lane the same way you would at a traditional intersection based on which way you're going. Turning right, turning left, going straight or even completing a
U-turn. So let's look at the choices. First the right lane. If you need to
make a right turn, keep to the right as you approach the
roundabout. If you need to make a left turn or a U-turn, keep to the left as you the approach the
roundabout. Want to continue on in the same direction you are already traveling? Pay attention to the signs to determine
if the left lane, right lane or both will allow you to go
straight through. Let's look at that again. Keep to the right for a right turn or
possibly to continue traveling in the same direction. Keep to the left for a left turn, U-turn or to possibly continue traveling in the same direction. Some multi-million roundabouts have other
lane configurations for lane use. So pay attention to what the signs and striping indicate are the allowable movements from each
lane. Remember signs and pavement markings are there to help you determine which lane is the correct lane to get you where you want to go. After selecting the appropriate
lane, slow down and prepare to enter the
roundabout. Once you've chosen your lane and are approaching the roundabout look for and stop for any pedestrians or bicycles as you would at any intersection. Next look for cars already in the
roundabout. With multi-million roundabouts, it is
important to stop for vehicles in all lanes of traffic. Wait until there
is a gap in all lanes of traffic and then enter slowly. Never try to
enter alongside cross traffic or assume any driver's intended path. One of
of the most common mistakes people make when entering a roundabout is failing to
yield to all lanes of traffic. Yield doesn't mean just slow down or
merge. Yield means that you must wait until
all traffic in the roundabout has cleared before proceeding. Make sure that no one
is in either lane of the roundabout and then proceed. Once you've entered the roundabout, stay in your lane. Do not switch lanes or try to pass other vehicles. Passing vehicles or switching lanes is unsafe. That is why it is important
to choose the appropriate lane for your destination before entering the roundabout. Do not
stop unnecessarily in the roundabout. After entering the
roundabout you have the right-of-way over entering vehicles. Continue through until the appropriate
exit point, stopping only for pedestrians and bicyclists. If an emergency vehicle enters the
roundabout, drivers who are already in the roundabout should continue
through until their exit. Once you've exited, pull to the side of
the road in a safe location and let any emergency
vehicles pass by before proceeding. Do not block the path
of emergency vehicles. If you are approaching a roundabout and
an emergency vehicle is coming, the safest option may be to go through the roundabout before finding a place to pull over and
let the emergency vehicles pass. For increased safety, do not drive next to
large trucks, semis or oversized vehicles of any
kind in a roundabout. These vehicles straddle both lanes in order to make it into and through the roundabout. A common feature of a roundabout is a truck apron. This section of concrete
around the central island is an expanded space for large vehicles. This
extra space for the back wheels of oversized vehicles helps those vehicles
easily complete the roundabout turn. Navigating a multilane roundabout is easy if you remember the following tips:
Choose the appropriate lane before entering the roundabout. Slow down. Stop for any pedestrians as you are approaching and exiting the roundabout. Stop for all vehicles already in the
roundabout. Don't stop unnecessarily, switch lanes or try to pass other vehicles inside the roundabout.
