Roundabouts and How They Work
A roundabout is a large, circular area in the middle of an intersection meant to control the right-ofway of vehicles. It is a traffic management tool that moves traffic through an intersection without the aid of traffic signals. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to the traffic circulating within the roundabout. All traffic moves in ONE DIRECTION around the roundabout – COUNTERCLOCKWISE.
What are the rules for going around a roundabout?
Trucks
1. Drive on the circulatory roadway, except
large commercial trucks and trailers
are permitted to use the truck apron
provided around the center island to
negotiate the tight turning radius.
2. Drive (usually with just the rear wheels)
on the raised pavement of the truck
apron to navigate more easily.
3. Cars should not use the truck apron.
Bicyclists
1. If you are comfortable riding in traffic,
take the lane and circulate with the
vehicles, making sure to yield to traffic in
the circle when entering.
2. Ride at the speed of the circular roadway
to discourage cars from wanting to pass
you.
3. Use hand signals when exiting the
roundabout. 4. If you are unsure about using the
roundabout, dismount and walk your
bike in the designated crosswalks.
Pedestrians
1. Stay in the designated crosswalks at all times.
2. Never cross to the central island.
3. Watch for cars; you have the right-of-way, but always pay attention
How to Drive in a Roundabout
1. As you approach, choose which lane to use as you would for any other intersection.
2. Use the left lane to turn left, complete a U-turn or go straight. Use the right lane to turn right or go straight.
3. Yield. Those in the roundabout have the right-of-way. Wait for a gap in the traffic.
4. Decrease your speed to travel with the traffic already in the roundabout.
5. Use your right turn signal when exiting.
Driving In a Roundabout
- Following posted speed limits, proceed through the roundabout following the roadway counterclockwise to the right of center island.
- Within a roundabout, do not stop for vehicles waiting to enter the roundabout. Those driving within a roundabout have right-of-way over vehicles readying to enter the roundabout.
- Before exiting, use turn signals to indicate where you will exit the roundabout.
Remember that many roundabouts feature crosswalks after you have exited the roundabout itself. - Always yield to anyone in this crosswalk.
Who Has the Right on the Roundabout?
1. Pedestrians crossing the street always have the right of way. All drivers and cyclists must yield to them before entering the intersection.
2. If you’re entering the roundabout, traffic already inside of it has the right of way. Yield to all vehicles and cyclists before entering.
3. If you’re entering the roundabout at the same time as an emergency vehicle that’s flashing red or blue lights and/or a siren, the emergency vehicle has the right of way, and you must yield to it.
Approaching a roundabout
Much as traffic stops often are marked in advance with “Signal Ahead” or “Stop Ahead” signs, many roundabouts have traffic signs notifying drivers in advance that they will soon be entering a roundabout. Drivers should decrease their speed as they approach a roundabout, and follow any posted speed signs.
Entering a roundabout
- When readying to enter a roundabout, look in each direction, paying particular attention to vehicles circling the roundabout to the driver’s left.
- As at any traffic intersection, yield to pedestrians and bicyclists and do not enter a roundabout when an emergency vehicle is approaching in any direction.
- Give the right-of-way and yield to traffic and/or pedestrians or bicyclists, then enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in circulating traffic flow.
- Remember that bicyclists are permitted to ride in the lane just as other vehicles do. Do not pass bicycles or other vehicles in a roundabout.
- If there are no vehicles immediately approaching, it is legal to proceed into the roundabout without stopping, as long as all traffic laws are followed.
There are always chances that something might go wrong, even though you have been so regular while entering the roundabout. If you need a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to call us at (702) 405-6000.
