How to Use a Roundabout

By Product Expert | Posted in Safety, Tips and Info on Tuesday, March 21st, 2017 at 7:44 pm

Nowadays, most cities in Wisconsin and other states have at least one or two roundabouts that drivers must navigate. Even for drivers who learned how to use them during driver’s education, roundabouts can be a bit confusing. That’s why our team at EVS Auto put together this helpful guide to help you learn how roundabouts work.

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Why do we have roundabouts?

Roundabouts are designed to allow for a steady flow of traffic to make intersections more efficient than stop signs or stop lights. They also tend to be safer and faster than conventional intersections. Although you may not be sure how to use them (yet), you can be sure they are there for a very good reason.

Single-lane roundabouts

Slow down to the speed limit posted before the roundabout (usually 15-20 mph).
Look for pedestrians before reaching the crosswalk.
Continue toward the roundabout and look to your left as you get closer.
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and proceed when you see a gap in traffic.
Never stop while in the roundabout, and only stop when exiting if there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk or an emergency vehicle.

Multi-lane roundabouts

Follow the signs posted to determine which lane you need to be in for your designated exit. (Typically, but not always, you will use the left lane if you are making a left turn, making a U-turn, or going straight, and you will use the right lane to turn right or go straight.)
Use the steps for single-lane roundabouts and include those listed below.
Yield to both lanes in the roundabout—not just the lane you will be entering.
Do not attempt to drive next to large trucks, which have a larger turning radius. Instead, wait to enter the roundabout until they have passed.
Stay in your lane while in the roundabout. Do not switch lanes.

In the end, there are four crucial points to keep in mind while using roundabouts. Yield to drivers already in the roundabout; stay in your lane; do not stop in the roundabout; and avoid driving next to oversize vehicles. Feel free to get in touch with our team at EVS Auto with any additional questions.

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