How to Drive Safely Through a Roundabout

Michigan drivers have undoubtedly noticed the increase in roundabouts at busy intersections. These circular intersections reduce fatal accidents and injuries by up to 82 percent and as of 2024, 11,000 have been installed in the US. Roundabouts have several benefits that include reducing traffic delays and decreasing the number of serious accidents. However, many drivers are still unsure how to safely drive in a roundabout.

Understanding how roundabouts work can help you avoid a car accident where you’d need the help of an experienced attorney. Here is an overview of what you need to know about Michigan roundabouts.

WHAT IS A ROUNDABOUT?

A roundabout is typically a circular intersection where traffic travels counterclockwise around a center island. Some roundabouts have oval, tear-drop, peanut or dog bone shapes to accommodate the traffic flow and geographic features of their locations.

Unlike a standard intersection, drivers entering a roundabout must yield to the existing traffic inside. Roundabouts can be multi-lane or smaller, with as few as three legs or as many as six.

Roundabouts can help:

• Reduce the number of crashes resulting in serious injuries or death
• Reduce traffic delays by keeping vehicles moving instead of stopping at red lights
• Reduce the amount of pollution generated from idling

HOW TO DRIVE IN A ROUNDABOUT

Drivers

Entering and driving around a roundabout is simple once you know the basics:

• Slow down as you approach the roundabout.
  Speed limits will usually be posted before each roundabout entrance.

  • Look to your left and yield to motorists who are already driving in the roundabout.
  • Choose your lane before entering. Use the directional signs and lane markers to help make your decision.

• Yield to pedestrians or bicyclists in the crosswalk.

  • Do not stop or change lanes once you have entered the roundabout.
  • Use your turn signal when you exit the roundabout.

• Watch for bicyclists and pedestrians as you exit.

• Give large trucks room to turn. Do not drive too close to a truck or attempt to pass one that is already in the roundabout.

Existing motorists traveling in the roundabout have the right of way. Drivers wishing to enter must yield until traffic is clear. Do not stop to let other drivers enter the roundabout unless it is the only way to avoid a collision.

Emergency Vehicles

If an ambulance or police car (with lights and sirens) approaches:

• If you are already inside the roundabout:
  Use the nearest exit and pull over to the right until the emergency vehicle clears the roundabout.

• If you have not yet entered the roundabout:
  Pull over to the right of the road and let the emergency vehicle pass.

Do not stop once you are inside the roundabout unless it is to avoid a collision.

SHARING THE ROUNDABOUT WITH PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS

Pedestrians

Pedestrians should be extremely careful when crossing an intersection with a roundabout. Many drivers “barrel” around the turns without watching out for pedestrians. Here are some tips to help pedestrians stay safe as they approach a roundabout:

• Pedestrians should use the designated crosswalks in a roundabout when possible.
• If there is a crosswalk with a signal, press the button to activate the signal and wait for a “walk” sign.
• If there is no signal, check to make sure traffic is clear and cross using available sidewalks and crosswalks.

Bicyclists

Bicyclists can choose to use a roundabout as a pedestrian or a motorist.

• To cross as a pedestrian:
  Dismount your bike and walk your bicycle across using available sidewalks and crosswalks.
• To ride your bicycle through the roundabout:
  Position yourself in the center of the lane. This makes you more visible to motorists and also prevents them from attempting to pass you.

Once you have entered the roundabout, follow the same rules that apply to cars and other motor vehicles.

COMMON CAUSES OF ROUNDABOUT ACCIDENTS

Even though roundabouts increase road safety overall, a crash can still happen.

• Speeding: It’s important to slow down before entering and while driving in a roundabout.
• Distraction: Keeping yourself aware of your surroundings while passing through a roundabout can help you avoid a crash with another moving object or the center island.
• Refusing to yield: An essential part of safely navigating a roundabout is yielding to existing traffic within.

EXPERIENCED LAWYERS CAN HELP WITH ROUNDABOUT INJURIES

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan car accident that occurred in a roundabout, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident attorney is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by clicking on the link below or contacting us for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.