I live in a neighborhood with three roundabouts , that I use on an almost daily basis. I love them , especially when on my scooter . They're fun , you can zip right 'round them ( excuse the pun ) , i'll sometimes do big loops on my scooter just 'cause .
( from wikipedia : roundabout is a type of circular junction in which road traffic must travel in one direction around a central island. Signs usually direct traffic entering the circle to slow down and give the right of way to drivers already in the circle.[1]
These junctions are sometimes called modern roundabouts in order to emphasise the distinction from older circular junction types which had different design characteristics and rules of operation. Older designs, called traffic circles or rotaries, are typically larger, operate at higher speeds, and often give priority to entering traffic[1]. In some cases, the term "traffic circle" has been used to describe roundabouts in North America,[2] but generally "roundabout" is used by engineers.[3]
In countries where people drive on the right, the traffic flow around the central island of a roundabout is anticlockwise(counterclockwise). In countries where people drive on the left, the traffic flow is clockwise. )
They're not complicated , but i've come to the realization that most people don't know how to use them - i've almost been hit twice in my car , and at least half a dozen times on my scooter. People either stop halfway through to figure out what/where to go , or don't yield when they should and almost cause major accidents. Frankly I astonished that there hasn't been any major fatalities here....
So - for those of you who DON'T know how to use a roundabout :
There are a few key things to remember about driving roundabouts:
- Yield to drivers in the roundabout
- Stay in your lane; do not change lanes
- Do not stop in the roundabout
- Avoid driving next to oversize vehicles
Driving single-lane roundabouts
As you approach a roundabout, you will see a yellow "roundabout ahead" sign with an advisory speed limit for the roundabout.
Slow down as you approach the roundabout, and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Continue toward the roundabout and look to your left as you near the yield sign and dashed yield line at the entrance to the roundabout. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you may enter without yielding. Look for pedestrians and use your turn signal before you exit, and make sure to stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.
Driving multi-lane roundabouts
In a multi-lane roundabout, you will see two signs as you approach the intersection: The yellow "roundabout ahead" sign and a black-and-white "lane choice" sign. You will need to choose a lane prior to entering the roundabout.
You choose your lane in a multi-lane roundabout the same way you would in a traditional multi-lane intersection. To go straight or right, get in the right lane. To go straight or left, get in the left lane. Drivers can also make U-turns from the left lane. The graphics below show what turns can be made in multi-lane roundabouts. The arrows in yellow show the movements that can be made from the right lane, and the arrows in green show the movements that can be made from the left lane.
and if your in my neighborhood - just read and follow the bloody signs !!
thank you - rant over ...
