It took a while for roundabouts to gain traction in the United States, but starting in the 1990s, they’ve been used more and more by cities as solutions to congested streets. If you’ve never driven in a roundabout before, you’ll find information about what a roundabout is, why cities use them, and how to drive safely through them in this article.
Let’s Start With the Difference Between Roundabouts VS. Traffic Circles
Unfortunately, roundabouts and traffic circles are often mistaken for one another. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, these two phrases actually refer to different concepts. Modern roundabouts, as defined by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, are circular intersections that control traffic on multiple roadways simultaneously.
The “modern roundabout” is distinguished from “nonconforming traffic circles” by the Federal Highway Administration. They reduce the likelihood of the most dangerous types of car accidents—head-on and T-bone collisions—and thereby increase safety at the intersection.
A traffic circle is a circular roadway. Those entering the circle have the right of way (rather than the vehicles already there); hence traffic signals are usually installed to regulate their use. Because of the regulations that govern traffic circles, they might cause congestion and be less effective than a modern roundabout. Traffic circles were added to roads for purely aesthetic purposes, not to increase safety or traffic flow.
How to Safely Navigate a Roundabout?
To properly traverse a roundabout, there are a few guiding principles that are part of the driving etiquette for roundabouts that you should be familiar with:
Recognize when the roundabout is approaching
Depending on whether you wish to go straight, turn right, or turn left, signs will indicate which lane you should be in and warn you about the approaching roundabout. Just before the roundabout, you’ll notice a triangle traffic island that slows vehicles entering the roundabout. Additionally, this structure offers a secure location for pedestrians to wait so that they can cross the street one direction at a time.
Drive clockwise
In America, you should always proceed counterclockwise through a roundabout if you’re unsure which way to go. We continue to drive on the right because the roundabout follows other standard traffic laws.
When a pedestrian or vehicle is crossing in a roundabout, yield.
In a roundabout, oncoming traffic has the right of way, so you’ll need to wait for an opening. Additionally, you must allow anyone trying to cross the street. In a crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way.
Make your exit known.
Use your right turn signal to notify other traffic that you are about to leave the roundabout. By indicating your intention to leave the roundabout, you can reduce uncertainty and the chance of another car blocking your escape.
If you miss your exit, don’t become anxious.
On a roundabout, maintain driving in your lane if you miss your exit. When you get to the exit you want, do another full round and exit the roundabout.
Remember to not change lines in the roundabout.
Depending on where you wish to go, the signage before the roundabout indicates which lane you should be in. Stay in your lane and wait for your exit after you’ve reached the roundabout. It shouldn’t be necessary to switch lanes.
Don’t enter the center circle.
You don’t have to drive on the raised circle in the middle of the roundabout. Instead of being a passing lane for cars, it serves as a buffer to give huge vehicles greater room to turn.
Allow space for trucks and other large vehicles.
Larger vehicles, such as semis and buses, may find the roundabout more challenging to maneuver because it is a continuous turn. Don’t drive straight next to them and give them some space.
Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about how to safely navigate a roundabout and how to defend yourself against any type of traffic ticket. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about any type of traffic infractions.