Although you may not use a roundabout every day you drive, it’s important to know how to use one. A roundabout acts as a circular intersection, making navigating certain towns or highways easier for traffic. You never know when one will come up. Even though it’s simple to use, you might be surprised that many people don’t understand how it works. Some people refer to these as traffic circles, rather than roundabouts, these terms can be used interchangeably, however we will talk about the differences later. Whether you’re a first-time driver or an experienced one, you should learn how to use a roundabout.
With that in mind, BrokerLink has prepared a guide on how to use a roundabout. Drivers can navigate these unique intersections and continue following our safe driving tips on the road. How do you use a roundabout or traffic circle safely? It’s time to learn more about how these circular intersections direct traffic flow.
Explaining Roundabouts
A roundabout directs traffic flow in a similar way to an intersection controlled by a traffic light. However, it looks a bit different, which can be intimidating for drivers who haven’t encountered one before. Let us paint you a picture. A roundabout is a circular intersection with a centre island in the middle of it. There are four entry points and exit points. The entry points are marked with yield signs, and you will come across these entrances when approaching the traffic circle. The exit points are not marked and are for exactly what you think they would be for.
We understand that’s a lot to take in. However, as long as you stay in the appropriate lane and enter and exit smoothly, you shouldn’t have any issues. In reality, traffic flow roundabouts are meant to be easier to navigate than their counterparts. All they do differently is direct traffic in a safer, more efficient way. Let us walk you through the process in the next section.
Navigating a roundabout
Using a roundabout isn’t hard. As long as you avoid distracted driving, you can enter and exit without a care in the world. If you follow our step-by-step guide, you can become a better driver and navigate the next traffic circle you come across with ease. Without further ado, here’s how to use a roundabout:
Drivers
If you’re driving an average car or truck, roundabouts are a breeze. All you have to do is be observant and follow some basic tips. This is how you get it done:
- When approaching the roundabout, start slowing down. Before going into the roundabout, look to your left and yield to any traffic already in the roundabout.
- If the way is clear, enter the roundabout. Continue driving counter-clockwise and to the right side of the traffic island before exiting. Leave a safe distance between cars and other vehicles, such as motorcycles.
- Once you get close to your intended exit, turn on your right turn signal to let pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers know what you’re going to do. Remember to yield to pedestrians crossing the exit lane’s crosswalk.
Another thing to keep in mind is multi-lane roundabouts at intersections. They usually have directional signs and pavement markings to guide drivers to their destinations. Remember that you need to get into the correct lane before going into the roundabout and the one that aligns with your intended exit.
After choosing the appropriate lane, you can navigate the roundabout like a pro. You can be on your way if no pedestrians are in the crosswalk. Remember to be careful when sharing the road with motorcycles and other vehicles, which we will discuss in a moment.
With large trucks
Transport trucks will occasionally need to use roundabouts. That’s why an “apron” surrounds the centre island. The section is raised and highlighted with colour to give wide vehicles extra clearance as needed. Make sure to provide trucks and larger vehicles with more space to get through traffic circles.
With Emergency vehicles
When you’re driving down the road, you usually have to stop and pull over to the right when an emergency vehicle approaches. However, you should never stop inside a circular intersection. You need to use your intended exit to get out and then pull over to the side of the road when it’s safe to do so.
Now that you understand how to yield to traffic already in the roundabout, drive in a counterclockwise direction, and signal to exit, it’s time to discuss how to use a roundabout if you’re driving a traditional vehicle. After all, vehicles have to share the road with bicycles and other vehicles, and roundabouts are no exception to this rule.
Using a roundabout if you aren’t in a car
Vehicle traffic has to be considerate of everyone on the road, whether cyclists or pedestrians. You don’t know what it’s like to do something until you do it. That’s why we have prepared a guide to help cyclists and pedestrians use roundabouts and traffic circles. Below, we will discuss how to use the roundabout if you're one the following two things:
Cyclists
When entering the roundabout, cyclists also have to yield to traffic already in the roundabout. The only difference is they use hand signals to let vehicles know when they are entering and using an exit lane.
A modern roundabout might also have something called a shared pathway. All you have to do is leave the bike lane on the ramp available. This path is shared with pedestrians and other smaller vehicles, so slow down to avoid colliding with others you’re sharing the path with. Then, get off the bike and use pedestrian crosswalks to exit onto the raised pathway at the ramp. It will lead you back to the bike lane or shoulder of the road.
Pedestrians
Pedestrian crosswalks are marked on the pavement a car length away from the roundabout. Remember to only cross at the marked locations. Otherwise, you will be stuck on the centre island, which isn’t safe, especially if you’re in an area that gets a lot of traffic.
It’s the law for vehicles to yield to pedestrians. However, you should still wait until there’s a gap in traffic or when approaching vehicles stop. Another thing to think about is whether bicycle paths could be connected to the crosswalks. Pay attention and look for cyclists when crossing to avoid a potential collision.
A circular intersection with a central island isn’t something you should be intimidated by whether you’re driving, riding a bike or walking. As long as you’re observant when entering the roundabout, going through it and exiting, you won’t have an issue dealing with incoming traffic. Sometimes, heavy traffic volumes make it more difficult to use a roundabout. However, it doesn’t make them less efficient. Another term you might have heard is a traffic circle. Next, we’ll talk about how a traffic circle is different.
The difference between a roundabout and a traffic circle
Although they have overlapping qualities, traffic circles are not the same thing as roundabouts. The main difference is the entering and exit points. Unlike roundabouts, traffic circles have T-intersections that make vehicles come to a full stop at a set of traffic lights. In contrast, a roundabout entrance will have a yield sign allowing you to enter when it’s safe. You’re more likely to find a traffic circle in areas with high-volume traffic, while roundabouts appear in residential areas and provincial highways.
Although the differences are fairly minimal, it’s important to know that traffic circles and roundabouts are not the same thing. You will find them in different areas, and the methods for entering and exiting often vary. With that in mind, you might wonder why roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular across Canada.
The rise of roundabouts for safety reasons
Why is a circular intersection with a central island common across the country? Roundabout rules slow down traffic and are safer than intersections controlled by traffic lights. For these reasons, you might see a roundabout before you see a signalized intersection, depending on where you are travelling. Let us explain below:
Slower traffic
Roundabout rules have fewer points of entry and have drivers waiting for a safe gap to enter. The smaller the roundabout and central island, the slower vehicles will have to go. It encourages good driving habits and reduces the chances of a collision. In a roundabout, you will likely stick to the right lane and not have to change lanes like you would on a traditional roadway. As a result, you will not hit another vehicle head-on if you get into an accident.
Fewer and less severe accidents
As long as vehicles give the right of way to vehicles already in the roundabout like they would to oncoming traffic and as left-turning vehicles would in traditional intersections, they will not get into accidents. Because the space is smaller, leaving the car length is much easier. T-boning and rear-ending are less likely to occur because circular intersections lessen the chances of these types of hits. Signalized intersections are much more dangerous because of the risk of oncoming traffic and multiple lanes. You also have more car blind spots in these situations.
Safer for cyclists and pedestrians
Since there is less incoming traffic and no one is travelling in the opposite direction, there are more drivers waiting patiently for a safe gap. Additionally, it’s easier to yield to pedestrians because there’s enough room to share the road with cyclists and them. As a bike lane does, a shared pathway keeps them safe in circular intersections. For pedestrians, the designated crosswalks also reduce the chances of potential crashes and injuries.
Vehicle traffic in a roundabout is much safer. Accidents are less likely to occur as long as vehicles yield the right of way when required and stay in the same lane when entering and exiting a roundabout. Safety is one of the leading reasons for roundabouts continuing to pop up across Canada and beyond. The other benefit of roundabouts is their impact on the environment, which we’ll discuss next.
Roundabouts, traffic circles and the environment
One of the main issues with traditional intersections is the amount of idling that occurs. Intersections controlled by roundabouts not only lead to fewer serious accidents but also ensure traffic circulates faster. These particular intersections only have yield signs, not stop signs, and let drivers go when it’s safe. Vehicles entering the roundabout have to yield to other drivers and turn on their right signal to go. Because of this reduction in stop/idle time, it reduces the amount of carbon emissions in the air.
Contact BrokerLink today!
When you choose the right lane, entering and exiting a roundabout isn’t a problem. Although circular intersections have their own unique rules, it shouldn’t deter you from using them on occasion. You just have to yield the right of way to traffic in the roundabout, drive in a counterclockwise direction, signal at your desired exit and watch for pedestrians before leaving.
Although you’re less likely to get into a car accident in a roundabout, you can never be too prepared. That’s why you need to get the mandatory car insurance policies required in your area and opt into other ones that can protect you in an accident. This is especially true when choosing young drivers insurance. Here are the policies BrokerLink suggests:
What are you waiting for? Yield, get in the right lane, signal at your desired exit, be a safe driver on the road, and use a roundabout properly. Hopefully, our tips have helped you understand how to navigate a roundabout. If you’re looking for an insurance policy that suits your needs and budget, contact BrokerLink today.
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