How to Drive Through a Roundabout

For many Canadian drivers, driving through traffic intersections involves dealing with road signs or lights for guidance. But now, a third type of intersection, roundabouts, is returning. Read on to discover why you’ll likely encounter more of these circular intersections, their benefits, and how to drive through them safely and efficiently.

Where Did Roundabouts Come From?

Circular intersections have been part of the transportation system in North America since the early 1900s. The first types featured large central islands, with vehicles entering these circles having the right-of-way. This resulted in the high-speed merging of cars and the subsequent accidents and congestion. Because of this, traffic circles declined, replaced by intersections controlled by signs or lights.

The modern roundabout appeared in the mid-1960s in Britain, with the most significant change requiring entering traffic to yield to circulating traffic. In right-hand traffic roads, like in Canada, vehicles travel counterclockwise through a roundabout.

What Are the Benefits of Roundabouts?

Well-designed, modern roundabouts offer many advantages over standard intersections. Studies show roundabouts reduce traffic fatalities at intersections by 90 per cent and pedestrian collisions by 40 per cent. With no stoplights, roundabouts reduce car idling time to a minimum, leading to fewer emissions, and traffic flows improve by about 20 per cent.

Despite these benefits, roundabouts have their challenges, primarily with drivers who are only used to driving through intersections with signs or lights to guide them. Here are some tips on approaching, entering, and exiting a roundabout safely and efficiently.

How to Approach a Roundabout

The first responsibility for drivers coming upon a roundabout is to look for a sign of the intersection’s layout so you can choose your entry lane accordingly. For example, if you want to turn left or go straight, use the left lane. If you want to turn right or go straight, use the right lane. Never enter a roundabout in the right lane if you’re going to make a left turn. Also, watch for pedestrians approaching the yield line at the roundabout entrance and stay in your lane.

How to Enter a Roundabout

Before drivers enter a roundabout, the first task is to consider any other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists in the roundabout or waiting to enter. Knowing traffic in the roundabout has the right-of-way, look left, then adjust your speed or stop at the yield sign if necessary. Next, wait for a safe opportunity to enter the roundabout’s traffic flow. Avoid entering beside another vehicle already in the roundabout; they may want to leave at the next exit.

What to Do in the Roundabout

Congratulations, you have entered the roundabout safely! This may be obvious for most Canadian drivers, but always drive to the right of the central island and in a counterclockwise direction. Once there, keep moving. Except to avoid a collision, do not stop your car. Remember, you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Staying in the same lane while driving in the roundabout is also recommended. If you miss your exit in the inside lane, be patient and keep driving around until you get to your exit again.

How to Exit a Roundabout

Like any other type of road intersection, first signal where you want to exit and continue watching for other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Also, don’t swerve between lanes: if you entered from the left lane, stay to the left, or stay to the right if you entered from the right lane. Specific to exiting the left lane, watch out for cars on the right that continue to drive around the roundabout. Always use your turn signals to communicate your intentions.

Dealing With Unique Roundabout Situations

While most of your roundabout challenges won’t venture too far from the situations mentioned so far, there are some times when these circular traffic intersections require added caution for drivers.

For example, say you have already entered a roundabout, and an emergency vehicle approaches. Your first action is to leave at your intended exit and drive beyond the traffic island before pulling over. If you are approaching the roundabout and still need to enter, pull over to the right and let the emergency vehicle pass.

Larger vehicles, like transport trucks and tractor-trailers, pose another roundabout challenge. These vehicles may have to swing wide entering or in the roundabout, so give them plenty of room.

The same logic applies if you drive a larger vehicle. Before entering the roundabout, you may need to occupy both lanes or use the entire roadway width.