How to Drive Around Modern Roundabouts
As you enter a roundabout, remember two key points:
- Never merge. The right of way is observed at the yield sign. Motorists already in the roundabout have the right of way. You must slow down or stop to yield to traffic approaching from the left. Wait for a gap in traffic, then carefully proceed into the roundabout.
- Go SLOW:
- Slow down to 15-25 mph when entering.
- Let vehicles already circulating go ahead.
- Obey all one-way signs.
- Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles and large vehicles.
For multiple-lane usage, follow these guidelines depending on traffic patterns:
- For right-hand turns, travel in the right-hand lane and use your turn signal.
- For left-hand turns, travel in the left-hand lane and use your turn signal.
- For continuing forward, remain in the same lane you entered.
- For missed exits, circle around the roundabout again.
Benefits of Modern Roundabouts
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), there are many safety benefits associated with the modern roundabout:
- 90 percent reduction in fatal crashes
- 75 percent reduction in injury crashes
- 30-40 percent reduction in pedestrian crashes
- 10 percent reduction in bicycle crashes
- 30-50 percent increase in traffic capacity
There other benefits to roundabouts, including
- reduction in fuel use and pollution.
- no signal equipment to install and repair.
- quieter neighborhoods
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/roundabouts/fhwasa10006/