How to Drive Safely Through a Roundabout
Published:
Michigan drivers have seen more roundabouts at busy intersections. FHWA reports that converting a signalized intersection to a roundabout can reduce severe (injury and fatal) crashes by about 80 percent. Thousands of roundabouts are now in use across the United States. They can cut delays and serious wrecks, but only if drivers know the rules.
Understanding how they work can help you avoid a crash—and the need for an experienced attorney.
Do You Have a Case?WHAT IS A ROUNDABOUT?
A roundabout is a circular (or oval, teardrop or similar) intersection where traffic travels counterclockwise around a center island.
Unlike a standard intersection, drivers who enter must yield to traffic already circulating. Roundabouts may have one lane or several, and three to six approaches.
Roundabouts can:
- Reduce crashes that cause serious injury or death
- Keep traffic moving instead of stacking at red lights
- Cut idling and related emissions
HOW TO DRIVE IN A ROUNDABOUT
Michigan’s roundabout guidance is straightforward:
- Slow down as you approach. Advisory or posted speeds are often marked before the entry.
- Look left and yield to vehicles already in the circle.
- Choose your lane before you enter, using signs and pavement arrows.
- Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalk.
- Do not stop or change lanes once you are in the circle, except to avoid a collision.
- Signal when you exit.
- Watch for pedestrians and bikes as you leave.
- Give large trucks room. Do not pass a truck in the circle.
Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. Do not stop to wave other drivers in unless that is the only way to avoid a crash.
Emergency vehicles
If an ambulance or police car approaches with lights and sirens:
- Already in the circle: take the nearest exit and pull to the right until it passes.
- Not yet entered: pull to the right and let it pass.
Do not stop inside the circle except to avoid a collision.
SHARING THE ROUNDABOUT WITH PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
Pedestrians
- Use marked crosswalks when they exist.
- If there is a signal, wait for the walk indication.
- If there is no signal, wait for a gap and use the sidewalk and crosswalk.
Bicyclists
- To cross as a pedestrian, dismount and walk the bike in the crosswalk.
- To ride through, take the center of the lane so drivers can see you and cannot squeeze past. Then follow the same rules as cars.
COMMON CAUSES OF ROUNDABOUT ACCIDENTS
- Speeding on entry or in the circle
- Distraction
- Failure to yield to circulating traffic, pedestrians or bikes
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS CAN HELP WITH ROUNDABOUT INJURIES
If you or a loved one is injured in a roundabout crash, we can help. Our lawyers have the skills and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident attorney is simple.
Don’t let the legal clock run out. Fill out the brief form below or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Have a Case?
