Navigating Multi-Lane Roundabouts

October 19, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Multi-lane roundabouts are a common feature of modern road systems. They are designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. However, to fully benefit from these traffic circles, it's crucial to follow the rules and take the appropriate steps when making turns. 

Turning Left at a Multi-Lane Roundabout

  1. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: Before reaching the roundabout, make sure to check your rear-view mirror to be aware of the traffic behind you.
  2. Anticipate Traffic Ahead: Look ahead and anticipate the traffic within the roundabout.
  3. Indicate Left and Begin Slowing Down: Signal your intention to turn left and start slowing down well in advance. Enter the left lane to turn left, you must be in the left-hand lane.
  4. Approach at a Safe Speed: Approach the roundabout at a speed that allows you to stop safely if necessary, while still being ready to proceed if it's safe.
  5. Give Way to Right: Give Way to any oncoming traffic from the right that is crossing your path from both lanes, as some drivers might change lanes within the roundabout.
  6. Watch for Indicators: Pay attention to the turn signals of other drivers and try to make eye contact to gauge their intentions.
  7. Proceed Safely: When it's safe to do so, gently accelerate and turn the wheel to the left. Stay in your lane and maintain your position in the left lane as you navigate the roundabout.
  8. Signal Your Exit:  Indicate left the whole way through the roundabout to let other drivers know where you are leaving.
  9. Accelerate as You Straighten Up: Gradually increase your speed as your car straightens up within the roundabout.
  10. Continuously Scan Ahead: Keep a close eye on the road ahead for any relevant information.
  11. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: Once you've left the roundabout, check your rear-view mirror again to be aware of your surroundings.

 

 

Going Straight at a Multi-Lane Roundabout

  1. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: Prior to the roundabout, check your rear-view mirror to assess the traffic behind you.
  2. Anticipate Traffic Ahead: Keep an eye on the traffic flow within the roundabout.
  3. Early Deceleration: Begin slowing down well in advance, giving yourself time to assess the situation.
  4. Choose Your Lane: In most cases, you can use either lane to go straight, but some roundabouts may designate the left lane for left turns only.
  5. Safe Approach Speed: Approach the roundabout at a speed that allows you to stop safely if needed, while remaining ready to proceed.
  6. Respect Give Way Rules: Always give way to traffic from the right that is crossing your path.
  7. Observe Other Drivers: Pay attention to other drivers' indicators and attempt to establish eye contact to determine their intentions.
  8. Proceed Safely: When the way is clear, gently accelerate and maintain your lane while traveling through the roundabout.
  9. Signal Your Exit: Indicate left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.
  10. Gradual Acceleration: Gradually increase your speed as your vehicle straightens up within the roundabout.
  11. Maintain Lane Discipline: Unless road markings suggest otherwise, stay in your chosen lane.
  12. Constant Awareness: Continuously scan the road ahead for any relevant information.
  13. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: After exiting the roundabout, check your rear-view mirror to stay informed of your surroundings.

 

Turning Right at a Multi-Lane Roundabout

  1. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: Prior to the roundabout, glance at your rear-view mirror to be aware of the traffic behind you.
  2. Anticipate Traffic Ahead: Observe the traffic flow within the roundabout.
  3. Signal Right and Slow Down Early: Indicate your intention to turn right and start decelerating well in advance. Position your vehicle in the right-hand lane. You must be in the right-hand lane to turn right.
  4. Approach Safely: Approach the roundabout at a speed that allows you to stop safely if necessary, while still being ready to proceed.
  5. Respect Give Way Rules: Always give way to traffic from the right that is crossing your path.
  6. Monitor Indicators: Watch for the turn signals of other drivers and try to establish eye contact to gauge their intentions.
  7. Proceed Safely: Once the path is clear, gently accelerate and make your right turn, focusing on your desired path.
  8. Maintain Speed: Keep your speed down as you navigate the sharp turn. Stay in your lane, and make sure you maintain your lane throughout the roundabout unless road markings indicate otherwise.
  9. Signal Your Exit:  Indicate left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take
  10. Gradual Acceleration: Increase your speed as your car straightens up, ensuring safety.
  11. Continuously Observe: Always keep an eye on the road ahead for any relevant information.
  12. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: After exiting, check your rear-view mirror to maintain situational awareness.

 

Performing a U-Turn at a Multi-Lane Roundabout

  1. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: Before reaching the roundabout, review your rear-view mirror to be aware of surrounding traffic.
  2. Anticipate Traffic Ahead: Keep an eye on the traffic within the roundabout.
  3. Indicate Right and Decelerate Early: Signal your intention to make a U-turn and start slowing down in advance.
  4. Position in the Right Lane: To perform a U-turn, you should be in the right-hand lane.
  5. Safe Approach Speed: Approach the roundabout at a speed that allows you to stop if necessary while being prepared to proceed.
  6. Observe Give Way Rules: Always give way to traffic approaching from the right that is crossing your path.
  7. Watch for Indicators: Pay attention to other drivers' signals and attempt to establish eye contact to understand their intentions.
  8. Proceed Safely: When the path is clear, gently accelerate and focus on the path you want to follow.
  9. Maintain Speed: Keep your speed down to handle the sharp U-turn. Stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout unless road markings suggest otherwise.
  10. Signal Your Exit: Indicate left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.
  11. Gradual Acceleration: Increase your speed as your car straightens up, ensuring safety.
  12. Constantly Scan Ahead: Continuously monitor the road for any relevant information.
  13. Check Your Rear-View Mirror: After completing the U-turn, review your rear-view mirror to stay informed about your surroundings.

 

By following these step-by-step instructions for each type of turn at a multi-lane roundabout, you can help ensure safer and more efficient traffic flow. Always prioritize safety, give way when required, and stay safe.