Most drivers in the U.S. are used to traffic lights and stop signs. However, roundabouts have become more and more popular, mainly due to the safety benefits they bring. As such, it’s useful to know how you should best approach them when on the road…
Roundabouts: Navigate Them Safely
Yield when needed
The thing about roundabouts is that they usually come with yield signs rather than stop signs. This is to help keep traffic moving at a steady pace, while also keeping everyone safe. Therefore, it’s important that you know when exactly you should yield, and when you can go ahead.
In general, when approaching a roundabout, you should yield to any cars already inside the circle. Then, when it’s clear, you can enter yourself. Keep an eye out for any pedestrians as well. You should also yield to them, especially if they’re crossing when you’re about to exit.
Keep it slow
Another thing to keep in mind about roundabouts is that you don’t want to stop once you’re in one. Remember, they help to keep traffic moving, just at a slow and safe pace. Stopping can cause the entire process to get backed up and can even cause accidents as other drivers have to suddenly react to you coming to a stop.
Instead, you should always keep moving unless you absolutely must stop. Should you miss your exit, don’t try and break and make it. It’s easier and safer to simply go back around the circle. If there’s an emergency vehicle approaching, pull out at your exit first and then pull over to give them space to pass.
Watch your lane
Usually, roundabouts will only have one lane. However, some will come with two or more. This can cause some drivers to think that they can switch lanes while in the circle. In reality, this is pretty dangerous, and something you’re going to want to avoid.
For these multi-lane roundabouts, you want to pick a lane and stick with it. To help, most will have signs out ahead which indicate which lane you’ll want to be in. Should you get into the wrong lane, you’ll be better off at taking an exit and finding a spot to turn around instead of trying to make that change in the circle itself.