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A.10  Roundabouts

A roundabout is best viewed as an intersection, single-laned or double, or as a T-junction with an island in the centre. The island may be small or large, or even shaped differently to round. 

	Apply this give-way rule: Give way to all traffic on your right, including turning traffic. Once you have entered the roundabout, all other traffic is on your left. Still drive with caution, ensuring they do give way to you! Roundabouts may be dual-laned, located on major arterial roads, as shown left, or unlaned in suburban back streets. Dual-lane roundabouts are hotspots for traffic accidents, caused by confused motorists turning incorrectly.
The (five road) roundabout on the right, shows how best to negotiate it, following the path marked in yellow. Two basic rules must be obeyed, where two or more lanes move though a roundabout: Stay in your lane as you travel through the roundabout. If there are two lanes on the approach, treat the roundabout as having two lanes right through. (On the photo here no lanes are marked; in Australia they normally are).   Never turn right from the left lane or left from the right lane, unless white painted arrows indicate you are allowed to do so!		Source:Commuterpageblog.com There is one exception to this rule. After turning right you may need to turn into a driveway immediately afterwards. (Check below for the problem and solution).

Problem: This driver intends to turn left at B, so follows the roundabout from A, cutting off the van, who wants to continue straight ahead. CRASH!  But how is the car going to turn left at point B, if turning and staying in the right hand lane? Path A is dangerous, if traffic in the right had lane moves straight: Never turn right from the left lane!

Safe solution: Approach in right hand lane, but exit into the left lane, as shown. Give a left turn signal and move briskly. Impatient drivers from behind may force you to stay in the right hand lane! Never turn right from left lane, unless white directional arrows allow it.  White directional arrows are shown in top of the picture).

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

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 in example on right). 

Only proceed through a roundabout after a good view to the right is obtained. The decision to continue through (the road is clear) can only be made, after a clear view is obtained on the right. Very slow speed may be necessary on the approach. 

Watch for traffic approaching fast, especially motorcyclists, who enter the roundabout at high speed - they may have a clear view to their right and not slow to a safe speed! 

Roundabouts are a very effective method of slowing traffic and moving it through crossroads with minimal delay.

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001/Revised 2010

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