Handling Roundabouts

How to safely negotiate roundabouts to reduce risks

Roundabouts are a safer alternative to traffic signals and stop signs. The tight circle of a roundabout forces drivers to slow down, and the most severe types of intersection crashes — right-angle, left-turn and head-on collisions — are unlikely.

Handling Roundabouts are no rocket science and we can learn by knowing few ground rules. A roundabout is a circular junction that branches into multiple exits which can range from 3 - many more. The largest roundabout in the world contains 15 exits and 3.4km long in Malaysia.

Rules:

1. Stop before entering roundabout

2. Be clear where you want to exit and pick lanes accordingly. A roundabout has 2 lanes inner circle and outer circle.

3. Give way to everyone on your right.

4. Watch out for traffic coming from your left as well.

5. Reduce Speed always

6.Once you enter a roundabout,you will have the right of way to vehicles on your left,but in India,very few know road rules. So watch to your left and be prepared to give away,if required. For a new driver, the roundabout looks like abhimanyu in padmavyuham,but we have to learn.

7. If you are using Google Maps or Apple Maps, if you are entering a roundabout like the red car,the immediate left is called the first exit.

Straight = 2nd Exit

Right = 3rd Exit

U turn = 4th Exit

U turn is not allowed at roundabout,we need to complete the full turn. Be clear.

8. If you miss your exit,don't panic, take the next exit,make a U turn and enter Roundabout again.

9. If you are taking the 1st exit to your left,Stop,Look and give way to traffic on your right and then proceed.

10. If you want to take exits 1 and 2,be on outer lanes.

11. If you want to take exits 3 and 4,move to the inner lane.

Taking First exit : This is the simplest,as you need to take left either using the main carriageway or slip lane after stopping and giving way to traffic on the right. Use the left indicator as a norm,follow MSM.

Taking 2nd Exit : Be on outer lane,give a way to vehicles on your right,who wants to go to your left. Enter Roundabout and after crossing exit 1,turn on the left indicator and move straight.

Taking 3rd Exit : Give way to traffic on the right,enter the inner lane for right turn.

Give the right indicator until you cross the second exit and then turn the left indicator and go straight. For the 3rd exit, vehicles can come straight from behind,so look mirror always.

Taking 4th Exit : Keep the right indicator until you cross the 3rd exit and change to left.

Extra Notes :

1. No lane change within Roundabouts

2. No U turn directly without entering roundabout,unless permitted by police.

3. Don't confuse and swerve as you may hit other vehicles as everyone is moving in circles.

4. If you are not sure,Give Way.

5. Plan your entry and exit properly.

6. If you miss an exit due to any reason,don't do crazy moves. Take the next exit and make a U turn and come back to enter Roundabout again. Consider it as another chance to master it.

Time for Videos :

I need to take the 1st Exit & Location : Mysuru

The first exit is the simplest,watch out stop or slowdown and give way to vehicles on the right and then move.

I need to take the 2nd Exit: Even though I have the right of way,I gave way.

Location : Mysuru

I need to take 3rd Exit : 3rd Exit is tricky as you need to give way to almost 4 lanes traffic. But follow rules and use them properly.

Another video on Roundabout.

To conclude, Follow White path,if you are taking 1st and 2nd exits and orange path,if you are taking 3rd or 4th exits.