What is a Roundabout?
A roundabout is a one-way circular intersection that reduces traffic congestion while maximizing safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. They are different than traffic circles. A roundabout can be thought of as one intersection with an island in the middle, while traffic circles can be thought of as a series of T-intersections.
With slower speeds and fewer points of impact, roundabouts reduce serious and fatal collisions for all users by up to 80 per cent. Roundabouts also reduce delays because drivers yield rather than stop like they would at a red light, and they can handle higher traffic volumes than traditional signalized intersections.
Roundabouts are new for many drivers, but following these basic steps will help you safely navigate roundabouts as a motorist or cyclist:
- As you approach the roundabout, slow down and watch for signs to help you select what lane you need to be in, based on whether you're turning right, left or going straight through.
- Choose your lane and signal, just as you would at a regular intersection.
- Yield to pedestrians in the entry crosswalk.
- Look to the left, yield to all traffic, pedestrians and cyclists in the roundabout, and enter when it is safe to do so.
- Stay in your lane to your exit.
- Signal right, exit the roundabout and yield to pedestrians in the exit crosswalk.