We don’t typically do roundabouts in the United States. We prefer four-way intersections with lengthy stoplights. As a result, the occasional traffic circle can throw Americans off. This video, for instance, captures motorists driving the wrong way and committing some seriously silly faux pas behind the wheel. 

Signs and common sense couldn’t save these American motorists from screwing up this roundabout

A popular social media video shows a top-down view of the Meyers Roundabout near Lake Tahoe. Troublingly, the Tahoe Transportation District had to post a PSA about drivers traveling the wrong way through the circle.

In some cases, drivers simply couldn’t figure out where to line up to enter the circle. Worryingly, this means many drivers go the wrong way through the rotary.

In one particularly troubling instance, an SUV entered, drove around, and exited by driving against the flow of traffic. Yikes. Scroll below to check out the video for yourself. 

Needless to say, several viewers sympathized with the drivers. “What an absolutely terrible design,” one commenter replied. “If multiple people are confused, it’s a bad design,” another said. Although it should be said that the majority of drivers figured it out. 

Follow the simple rules of traffic circles to avoid stress and calamity

Don’t let a traffic circle trip you up. For starters, don’t be overly hesitant. When you queue up to enter a roundabout, find your opening and fill it. Don’t pull out ahead of other vehicles and rapidly slow down.

On the subject of queuing, know where you want to exit the circle and start in the appropriate lane. In the US, the right-most lanes are for motorists seeking to exit first. Think right-hand lanes for right-side and top exits.

Conversely, if you’re going all the way around or nearly all the way around the rotary, line up in one of the left lanes. Better yet, pay attention to the signage that accompanies the lanes leading into the circle.