Driving tips for roundabouts

They’ve been around for decades in Europe. Over the last decade, we’ve starting to see more of them in B.C. Don’t confuse them with your local neighbourhood traffic circles. Roundabouts are really just intersections in a circular shape— they force you  to go around a central island and make new vehicles that want to enter yield the right-of-way.

What’s so good about roundabouts? They improve traffic flow. You just have to simply slow down and go around until making your turn instead of stopping and waiting. They reduce serious crashes involving injuries because they virtually eliminate the chance of a head-on collision. They slow you down. And they improve safety for anyone walking or cycling. All without traffic signals.

How do I use a roundabout?

1. Approach

• Reduce your speed.
• Watch for signs that may help you find your exit.
• Watch for people using the crosswalk, and be ready to stop.

2. Yield

• Yield to traffic already in the roundabout that comes from your immediate left before you enter.

3. Enter

• Enter the roundabout to your right (a counter clockwise direction) when there is a gap in traffic and you feel it is safe to do so.
• Continue until you reach your exit.

4. Exit

• Never come to a full stop in a roundabout unless traffic conditions require it.
• Use your right turn signal to let other road users know where you plan to exit.
• Exit at a slow speed.
• As you exit, watch for people using the crosswalk, and be ready to stop.
• If you miss your exit, keep going around the roundabout until you reach it again.