Driver Education Roundabouts

10. ROUNDABOUTS

A roundabout is best viewed as an intersection or a T-junction, single-lane or double, with an island in the centre. The island may be small or large. It may or may not be shaped round.

Roundabouts are a very effective method dealing with diverging traffic. All vehicles must reduce speed and there is no waiting time when the road is clear, unlike a red traffic light.

Give way-rules approaching roundabouts:

Give way to all traffic on your right, including turning traffic. Once you have entered the roundabout, all other traffic will be on your left. As with normal intersections, indicate left or right if turning. Straight ahead traffic may choose to give a courtesy signal (left) before exiting. (it may be compulsory in some states?!)

Still drive with caution, ensuring they do give way to you! Roundabouts may be dual-lane, located on major arterial roads, as shown left, or single lane in suburban back streets.

Dual-lane roundabouts are hotspots for traffic accidents, caused by confused motorists turning incorrectly.

The (five road) roundabout below, shows how best to negotiate those with multiple lanes:
Never turn right from the left lane or left from the right lane, unless directional arrows (white painted arrows) allow it! Do not change lanes within the roundabout! There is one problem situation, where an exception applies:

Problem: The yellow car needs to turn right, but their driveway is on the left near point B.

Shown here is the wrong approach! To turn right from the left lane is risking a collision with the van travelling straight ahead.

Solution: The driver must turn from the right lane, but exit into the left lane, after ensuring it is safe to do so and signalling left! Exit the roundabout briskly.

Do not overtake within a dual lane roundabout and check that nobody is over taking you!

As with intersections generally, approach a roundabout with caution, obey all give way rules and exit swiftly.

Some dual-lane roundabouts display a sign: 'Right lane must turn right'. Obey the directional arrow or you may collided with a vehicle moving straight ahead as shown in above example).

Only proceed through a roundabout after a good view to the right is obtained. Very slow speeds will be necessary, if visibility is limited. i.e. blocked by trees, buildings etc. Be prepared for motorcyclists (even bicycles) that may enter the roundabout at high speed!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Drive Hub 2020.