Sumner Honda Explains How to Drive in a Roundabout

Roundabouts are being used more and more in the U.S. to make traffic more efficient and safe. There are less conflict points when traffic is kept moving one way in a counterclockwise direction, and traffic flows smoothly. Statistics have proven that fatal crashes are reduced around 90%, injury crashes around 75% and over crashes around 35% when compared to other kinds of intersection control. Sumner Honda explains how to drive in a roundabout.

Rules for Driving in a Roundabout

The same general rules apply when driving in a roundabout as moving through any other kind of intersection.

• Obey traffic signs and slow down.
• Yield to bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Yield to traffic on your left which is already in the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap.
• Keep your speed low while in the roundabout.
• When you get to the exit, turn on your right turn signal.
• Yield to bicycles and pedestrians as you exit.

Truck Apron

When driving in a roundabout, large vehicles need additional space. A truck apron is a paved area on the inside of the roundabout for the rear wheel of big trucks to use while turning. Truck aprons are not for use by cars, pickup trucks or SUVs.

Emergency Vehicles

• Always make sure to yield to emergency vehicles.
• If you’ve not gone into the roundabout yet, pull over and let the emergency vehicles pass.
• If you are in the roundabout already, continue to the exit and then pull over to let the emergency vehicles pass.
• Do not stop in the roundabout.

Roundabouts with Two or More Lanes

Pick the correct lane before entering. As you get close to the roundabout, you need to observe the signs and arrows to figure out which lane to use. Black and white signs on the side of the road and white arrows on the road will show what lane to use. If you want to turn left, you generally should be in the left lane or another lane which is marked to do so. To turn right, be in the right lane or another lane which is marked to do so. To go straight, read the signs and arrows to find the correct lane.