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Tips For Using Roundabouts Safely

By Richard Huskisson Oct 24, 2021 | 2:41 PM

With more and more roundabouts being constructed in Southern Ontario, it’s important to know how to use them safely. One of the most basic bits of advice is to signal in and signal out of the roundabout.

 

For more in depth information the Ministry of Transportation recommends the following roundabout tips.

 

When you approach the roundabout:
  • Slow down
  • Keep to the right of the splitter island
  • Use the correct lane for your intended destination
  • Pay special attention to pedestrians who may be crossing the roadway
  • Yield to cyclists and any traffic already driving through the roundabout
  • Stop if there are vehicles already inside the roundabout and the way is not clear
  • Enter when there is a safe gap in traffic

 

When you’re driving in the roundabout:
  • Keep to the right of the centre island and drive in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit
  • Don’t pass large vehicles or change lanes
  • Don’t stop inside the roundabout, except to avoid a collision

 

To exit the roundabout:
  • Use your right-turn signal
  • If you miss your exit, continue around the roundabout again and then exit

 

Emergency vehicles:
  • If you are still outside the roundabout, pull over to the right, if you can do so safely. Let the emergency vehicle pass you before you enter.
  • If you are inside the roundabout already, drive around to your intended exit. Leave the roundabout completely before you pull over to the right and then let the emergency vehicle pass you.

 

Large vehicles:
  • Large vehicles (transport trucks, farm equipment) may need to use more than one lane when they enter, drive through and exit a roundabout. Within the roundabout, they may also need to use the truck apron.
  • Give large vehicles plenty of room to navigate.

 

Pedestrians
  • Roundabouts are generally safer for pedestrians than traditional intersections.
  • Try to make eye contact with the driver of the approaching vehicle, verifying that they see you and are prepared to stop before entering the roundabout.
  • Cross the roads that lead into the roundabout one at a time (cross the road to the splitter island, cross again when the way is clear).
  • Never cross a roundabout by walking over the central island.
  • Wait for a gap in traffic. Cross only when it is safe.

 

Visually impaired pedestrians:
  • There is no traffic signal to control the traffic moving through a roundabout. This can make it hard to spot gaps in the traffic where you can cross safely. If you can, ask someone to help you.

 

Cyclists:
If you’re an experienced cyclist, you can move through the roundabout the same way you would in a vehicle:
  • Merge into the centre of the vehicle lane before the bike lane or shoulder ends
  • Stay in the middle of the lane to avoid collisions with other vehicles exiting to the right.
  • New cyclists should get off their bicycles and cross the roundabout as pedestrians.

 

While roundabouts can reduce traffic congestion and in theory are safer for everyone, except visually impaired pedestrians, that only applies if everyone knows and follows the rules of the road.

 

Be informed, be safe.

 

Source: MTO.

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