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For some of us, a roundabout makes perfect sense. You don’t have to stop, traffic can keep flowing, they’re much safer, and you’re on your way a lot faster. For others, a roundabout is a confusing nightmare. It’s understandable because they’re new to many American cities, though they’ve been common in the rest of the world.

What are the rules of a roundabout and how do I drive in a roundabout?

How do I drive in a roundabout?

cars yield while entering a roundabout
A roundabout at the intersection of Route 662 and 73 in Pennsylvania | Ben Hasty via Getty Images

If you get confused in a roundabout, you’re not the only one. Where I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Roundabouts are now replacing stoplights on some intersections. They’re great for keeping traffic flowing. But, according to KRQE News 13, some people need a refresher on how to drive through one after multiple drivers got confused driving through the roundabout.

But, it’s pretty simple to navigate a roundabout and they’re much quicker than a four-way stop. Just turn right and keep going on your way. However, also keep these rules in mind:

·  Slow down and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

·  Look to your left to see if there is an appropriate gap in traffic; if one is not available be prepared to stop.

·  Always enter the roundabout to the right and proceed on the right side of the central island.

·  Maintain slow speeds through the roundabout, generally 15 mph to 25 mph.

·  Do not attempt to pass other vehicles or bicyclists.

·  Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.

What if the roundabout has two lanes?

A two-lane roundabout looks dangerous, but they’re more efficient than a signal. They eliminate lost time due to red and yellow lights, and they keep traffic flowing. If you know how to use a roundabout.

The main thing to remember is to figure out which lane you need to be in, and then stay there. If you need to exit, take the outside lane. If you’re going around the roundabout, use the inside lane until you need to exit. Use the left lane to go left, the right lane to go right, and either lane to go straight. Never turn left. That’s it.

Are Roundabouts safer?

TV News Station tweet

Roundabouts are not just faster, they’re much safer. Roundabouts cut down on accidents at intersections by 80%, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. According to the IIHS or Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the tight circle of a roundabout forces drivers to slow down, which means they calm traffic instead of stopping it.

Also, they improve traffic flow and reduce emissions as vehicles aren’t just sitting parked at a light or a stop sign. In fact, a roundabout can reduce the time you sit idling in your car by nearly 25%, which is something all of us appreciate.   A roundabout is also safer for pedestrians. Walkers can go around, or through, a roundabout and the slower car speeds make it easier for pedestrians to judge a car’s speed. Studies say that converting a traditional four-way stop to a roundabout can reduce pedestrian crashes by 75%.

Related

3 Reasons More Cities Are Installing Roundabouts

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.