Lesson9 Roundabouts

This document provides guidance on navigating roundabouts and mini roundabouts. It explains that roundabouts are designed to keep traffic flowing clockwise around a central island. When approaching a roundabout, drivers should observe traffic flow and adjust speed as needed to safely enter the flow without stopping if possible. The document also outlines proper procedures for turning left, going straight, and turning right at roundabouts.

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Lesson9 Roundabouts

Uploaded by

Rana

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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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Lesson 9 roundabouts and mini roundabouts

Introduction

Subject Brief

Roundabouts are designed to keep the

traffic flowing. Traffic should only flow in
a clockwise direction around the island in
the centre of the roundabout. This
circular road is a one-way street and
may be made up of one or more lanes.
Mini roundabouts are much smaller but
have the same purpose to keep the
traffic flowing. Traffic entering the
roundabout must give way to traffic
already on the roundabout approaching
from the right.

Approaching a roundabout
When approaching a roundabout you
apply your Hazard Drill and take
observations into the major road ahead
as early as possible. Unlike other
junctions most roundabouts are quite
open so that you can assess the flow of
traffic on the roundabout at an early
stage. This should give enough time to
adjust your speed so that, if possible,
you can emerge safely into the flow of
traffic from the right without stopping.

Lesson aims and objectives

Some drivers use roundabouts as

though they were stop junctions and
only take observations to the right at the
last minute. As a result they might stop
at the give way line when it is not
necessary. Therefore do not presume
the vehicle in front will proceed, even if
it is clear.

During this lesson you will learn how to

deal with the various roundabouts found
on our roads. Some roundabouts are
very complex with multiple lanes and
multiple exits.
By the end of this lesson you should be
able to:
?
explain the procedure for joining and
leaving mini roundabout and more
complex roundabouts, including those
on major roads with multiple lanes
and exits;
?
identify roundabouts early and take
the necessary observations to ensure
you approach the roundabout in the
correct lane while looking for
opportunities to proceed;
?
give the appropriate signal on
approach for the exit you intend to
take;
?
time your approach speed to make
full use of any opportunities to
proceed;
?
identify and respond accordingly to
any drivers ahead who may stop
unnecessarily at the give way line
because they have not taken the
appropriate observations on
approach;
?
exercise good lane discipline
throughout the roundabout while
anticipating the actions of other
drivers, in particular those driving
larger vehicles;
?
apply the Hazard Drill correctly as
you exit the roundabout making sure
to signal at the appropriate time and
glance to the left as necessary;
?
approach and exit a mini roundabout
safely.

How to proceed at a roundabout

Turning left
When turning left, approach in the left
hand lane and signal left. Maintain your
road position and your signal as you
negotiate the roundabout.

Going ahead
Use the left hand lane unless signs or
road markings show that you should use
a different lane. Do not give a signal on
approach to the roundabout. Take care
to keep in your lane as you drive around
the roundabout. Signal left to leave the
roundabout as you pass the exit before
the one you wish to take.

Turning right
When turning right, approach in the right
hand lane and signal right. Maintain
your road position and then signal left
as you pass the exit before the one you
wish to use. If you need to change
lanes to leave the roundabout take extra
observations to the left before moving
across.

Mini roundabouts
The same rules apply at mini
roundabouts as apply at the larger
roundabouts, although you will probably
find that you have to reduce speed even
further due to the lack of space to
manoeuvre. There is often insufficient
time to signal left when leaving. You
must pass around the central markings
unless you are driving a large vehicle or
towing a trailer, which is incapable of
doing so. Try to avoid using a mini
roundabout to do a U-turn, but be aware
that other drivers may use it for this
purpose.

Double mini roundabouts

At some junctions you may encounter a
double mini roundabout. Treat each
roundabout separately and give way to
traffic from your right. Take careful all
round observations before you enter.

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