Roundabouts.
A roundabout is just another variation on the M.S.P.S.L routine. We deal with roundabouts in several stages. We all know that roundabouts come in different sizes. A roundabout may have any number of entrances and exits with each having any number of lanes. Great! The general rule for roundabouts is simply, give way to traffic from the right.
Approaching roundabouts.
As you approach a roundabout you will be told where to go in good time. The first thing that you should do is check you mirrors and look for the signboard relating to the roundabout. There should always be a sign with a picture of the roundabout that you are approaching on it. It always helps if you take a good look and remember the shape of the roundabout and where you have got to leave it.
Mirrors --- Mirror checks should be performed as appropriate for your intended direction of travel. e.g. in pairs for turning left or right and a full set if going straight ahead.
Signal --- Signal if necessary. If you are turning left or right then you must indicate that intention on approach to the roundabout. If you are following the road ahead (whether it is the first, second or third exit) there is no need to indicate until you are half way across the exit before the one that you intend to take.
Position --- If there is one lane on approach then positioning is as for a crossroads.
- If there are two then the left lane is for left and straight on and the second is for turning right.
- If there are three lanes on approach then the first lane is for turning left and for going straight on. The middle lane would only be used for going straight ahead if the first lane is full of left turning traffic. The third lane would be for turning right.
- If there are four or more lanes then the left and right hand lanes are for turning left and right respectively and the remainder are for going straight ahead.
The above is good guidance for approaches that do not have direction markings in the lanes. If there are arrows on the road or displayed on a signboard relating to the roundabout then you follow the lanes in the pattern that they show. For example, there may be two lanes to turn either left or right. If this is the case and you need to go that way then use the first of the two, the second being for traffic going faster than you are.
Speed --- Your speed should be reduced gently on approach while keeping both hands on the steering wheel until you know whether or not you can go. Select the appropriate gear (first, second or third depending upon size of junction and whether or not you have to stop), and turn when it is safe to do so.
Look --- Keep looking for anything that is out of the ordinary. Effective observation cannot be recommended highly enough.
Joining.
Only stop if necessary. If it is not necessary take the appropriate gear and go. As you approach a roundabout you should take an early look for a gap in the traffic. I often see people slow down and stop at a roundabout when there is nothing coming. If there is a gap try to match your speed and gear on approach to coincide with the gap. This will enable you to join the flow of traffic smoothly rather than stopping all of the time.
If you are waiting for a safe gap to join the roundabout there is a rule that will help you out. "Don't just look at the traffic from your right; look at the traffic from their right as well". This way you will build up an understanding of the traffic flow on the roundabout rather than just watching traffic on your right that is stationary itself and not knowing why until your instructor points out that, "The traffic which you are waiting for cannot move because they are waiting for the traffic on their right".
Position on the roundabout.
The position that you take up on the roundabout should be appropriate for your direction of travel.
If you do not know enough by now to stay to the left when turning left at a roundabout then may I respectfully take this opportunity to suggest either meditation or origami as more suitable subjects for you to be learning.
For straight on your road position depends upon whether or not there are any road markings and the movement of other traffic. You should be going all the way around the outside of the roundabout if there is only one or two lanes on approach unless the road markings or signs dictate otherwise. If there are three or more then having entered in either the outside or second lane as appropriate you would need to stay/move to the nearside kerb position once you were half way past the first exit where the left turning traffic had already gone.
You should only find yourself positioned by the roundabout if you are turning right, or occasionally if you are following the road ahead and there is no right turn.
Leaving.
You must always signal left to leave a roundabout.
The mirror checks should be completed before the signal is put on. It is important to take effective observations to make sure that you are safe before you indicate your intention. The correct time to signal is half way across the junction before the one that you intend to take.
Change your position by spiralling away from the centre of the roundabout checking the left mirror again for idiots as you do so.
If you were already on the outside of the roundabout then stay there. Do not be tempted to save a little effort with the steering wheel by straightening up a little and going nearer to the middle. Other road users may require the space to your right.
In the new road.
As soon as you have left the roundabout you should cancel the indicator and perform a complete set of mirror checks. The importance of effective observation cannot be stressed too much.
Mini-roundabouts.
Mini roundabouts are either painted flat on the floor or they may have slightly raised centres. There will be a mini roundabout sign either on approach if the roundabout is obscured from view or more often by the roundabout itself.
A left turn signal is not required prior to leaving the roundabout. They are considered to be too small for this to be possible.
A good rule to remember is that if the roundabout is big enough for them to build, then it is big enough for you to indicate to leave it.
