Are You Supposed To Use Turn Signals in a Roundabout? And Other Roundabout Rules

Turn signal usage in a roundabout can be confusing. Should you use your turn signals? After all, you’re technically already turning in one direction. Will your turn signals help or just confuse other people? In this article, we’ll discuss proper turn signal usage in a roundabout and other key roundabout rules and etiquette to keep yourself and others safe.

How To Use Turn Signals In a Roundabout

Making yourself predictable and avoiding erratic movements is the best way to decrease the likelihood of getting into an accident. Hence, you should still try to use your turn signals at a roundabout. This is a sure way to allow other drivers to predict and anticipate your intentions.

Roundabouts can vary in size. Hence, the time you spend in the circle will also vary. Sometimes, it’ll only take you a few seconds to enter and exit a small roundabout. This length of time might seem too brief to use your turn signals, but you should still endeavor to do so. This isn’t just for everyone’s safety, but to show courtesy and consideration to other drivers.

Signal Right When You’re Nearing Your Exit

If the roundabout is small and you’re taking the first exit, you should signal right as you approach the roundabout. Once you’re on the roundabout and you’re taking the next exit, you should signal right to communicate to other drivers that you’re leaving the roundabout.

Signal Left If You’re Staying In

What if your exit is still far off or if you plan on making a full loop? As you’re entering the roundabout, activate your left signal lights to tell other drivers that you’re going to remain glued to the roundabout and go around. You should only signal right as you near your exit.

What Are the General Rules for Driving in a Roundabout?

Be Aware

You should have a heightened sense of awareness when traversing a roundabout because it can be quite easy to miss your exit, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar area. You should be on your toes and constantly scanning for your exit. If you’re in a two-lane roundabout, you should also be aware of adjacent vehicles. You should also be conscious of your lane position when nearing your exit. Anticipate when your exit will come and change lanes accordingly.

Be in the Correct Lane

One of the 2 lane roundabout rules is to be in the proper lane because lane placement is crucial. Being in the proper lane lowers the possibility of accidents and guarantees smooth traffic flow. There might be signs that show you the lane you should take as you enter the roundabout. You should select the appropriate lane depending on your intended exit.

Generally, turning right or traveling straight uses the right lane, and turning left or traveling straight uses the left lane.

Don’t Slam Your Brakes or Stop Without Any Reason

If you realize that you’re going to miss your exit, don’t slam on the brakes and attempt to make the turn. Simply go around and make the turn again. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t stop in a roundabout because you risk a rear-end collision. There’s a greater risk of a rear-end collision in a roundabout because other drivers are also scanning for their exit, and the vehicle ahead can be obscured by their vehicle’s A pillar.

Avoid Rushing or Squeezing into Small Gaps

Entering a roundabout with lots of fast moving vehicles can be challenging. Remember that you’re supposed to yield to vehicles at roundabouts. Remain patient and wait for an adequate gap between vehicles before merging.

Don’t Drive Next to Oversized Vehicles

If you’re in a two-lane roundabout, you should give oversized vehicles space. If you’re alongside these vehicles in a roundabout, you should slow down and give them space alongside their vehicle. When long vehicles like freight trucks turn, they’ll also occupy the space immediately beside their vehicle. If you don’t mind the space, you might get sandwiched.

Yield to Drivers on the Roundabout

Drivers entering a roundabout should generally yield to traffic that’s in the circle. Most roundabouts typically have a yield sign at the roundabout entrance. Even without a yield sign, drivers should still treat the roundabout similarly to entering a main road or making a right turn at a stop light.

Yield to Pedestrians

Aside from yielding to the vehicles on the roundabout, pedestrians also have the right of way. Pedestrian lanes are typically located near roundabout exits, so make sure to yield to any pedestrians that might be crossing.

Navigating roundabouts can be challenging even for adept drivers. As long as you maintain your presence of mind and remember these rules for roundabouts, navigating them can be a stress-free experience. By being mindful, patient, and courteous, you’ll help make the road safer and more effective for all users.