You are driving alone; everything is going smoothly until you approach a roundabout. Suddenly, your confidence dips. Should you yield now or wait? What lane should you be in?
These are some thoughts many drivers feel when it comes to navigating roundabouts. And that hesitation can quickly turn into frustration, missed exits, or worse, a near miss.
Poor roundabout navigation not only slows down traffic but also increases the risk of accidents, especially during peak hours. Confusion at the wheel can lead to braking too late, cutting off other drivers, or causing a traffic jam, all of which could have been easily avoided if you knew how to do a roundabout.
But did you know? Mastering roundabouts does not require years of experience—it just takes the right guidance.
At Click2Drive, the best driving school in Los Angeles, CA, we will take you through some practical tips on how to navigate roundabouts safely and confidently every single time.
Let’s get started.
What is a Roundabout?
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows in a single direction around a central island. Vehicles entering the roundabout must yield to those already circulating.
Designed to slow traffic, roundabouts help reduce the severity of collisions by minimizing head-on and T-bone crashes. They also improve safety for pedestrians by limiting the directions from which they can cross.
Moreover, roundabouts promote continuous traffic flow, which leads to reduced delays, lower fuel consumption, and less pollution.
Modern roundabouts are usually smaller and are considered safer and more efficient alternatives to traditional intersections and traffic signals. Therefore, it is important for adults as well as novices to know about navigating roundabouts.
Different Types of Roundabouts
Roundabouts come in various types, each designed to meet specific traffic conditions and space constraints. Some of these includes: –
Mini Roundabouts
- These feature a small, often mountable central island and are suitable for low-speed areas with limited space.
Normal or Single-Lane Roundabouts
- These have one lane for both entering and circulating traffic, along with a raised central island and splitter islands.
Multilane Roundabouts
- Designed with two or more lanes on one or more approaches, these roundabouts accommodate higher traffic volumes.
Turbo Roundabouts
- Featuring spiraling lane markings, when approaching a roundabout like this, it requires drivers to choose their exit before entering, which reduces conflict points and enhances safety and capacity.
Double Roundabouts (Dumbbell or Twin Roundabouts)
- Comprising two closely spaced roundabouts connected by a short link road, these are useful for complex junctions or where multiple roads intersect.
Raindrop and Two-Geometry Roundabouts
- Raindrop roundabouts have a teardrop shape to eliminate direct U-turns, while two-geometry roundabouts feature different shapes for the central island and outer margin to save space and accommodate large vehicles.
Grade-Separated Roundabouts
- These incorporate different vertical levels for some approaches and are often used at major arterial junctions to improve traffic flow.
7 Tips on How to safely navigate a roundabout?
Now the question is- how to enter a roundabout? Well, in this section we will talk about the important tips for driving in a roundabout. These include: –
1. Slow Down and Approach with Caution
When navigating roundabouts, reduce your speed as you near the roundabout. It will give you time to observe traffic and prepare to stop if necessary.
2. Yield to Traffic Already in the Roundabout
Always yield to vehicles that are already circulating inside the roundabout. Wait for a safe gap before entering, as those inside have the right of way.
3. Choose the Correct Lane Before Entering
Select your lane based on your intended exit, learn about all the roundabout turn signal rules.
Use the right lane for right turns or immediate exits, and the left lane for going straight or making a left turn. Avoid changing lanes inside the roundabout.
4. Drive Counterclockwise and Stay in Your Lane
Travel counterclockwise around the roundabout and maintain your lane throughout. Avoid changing lanes while in the roundabout to prevent collisions.
5. Use Turn Signals to Communicate Intentions
Signal right when exiting the roundabout to let other drivers know your intentions. Use signals appropriately when turning or changing lanes near exits.
6. Be Alert for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks near roundabouts and yield to them. Also, be mindful of cyclists who may be sharing the road.
7. Be Patient and Predictable
Roundabouts can become congested, so wait your turn calmly and drive predictably. It helps ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for all road users.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Approaching a Roundabout
When approaching a roundabout, avoid these five common mistakes to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow:
Failing to Yield
- Always yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Ignoring yield signs can lead to collisions.
Incorrect Lane Selection
- Choose the correct lane before entering based on your intended exit and stay in that lane throughout.
Not Signaling
- Use your indicators to show your intentions when entering and exiting the roundabout.
- It helps inform other drivers of your movements.
Stopping Inside the Roundabout
- Keep moving steadily. Stopping can cause rear-end collisions and create confusion for other drivers.
Entering Too Fast
- Slow down as you approach and navigate the roundabout to maintain control and react safely to other vehicles.
Do Checkout- Hand Signals For Driving You Should Know
Tips For New Drivers On How To Go Around a Roundabout?
These are four impactful tips for new drivers on how to navigate a roundabout: –
Slow Down and Yield
Reduce your speed and yield to traffic coming from your right before entering the roundabout.
Choose the Correct Lane
When it comes to the road roundabout, select your lane based on your intended exit: –
- Use the left lane for left turns or the first exit.
- Use the right lane for right turns or U-turns.
- You can use either lane if you are going straight.
Signal Your Intentions Early
Indicate your intentions well in advance.
- Signal left when you are about to exit
- Signal right if you are turning right or making a U-turn,
- Do not signal if you are going straight until you pass the exit before yours.
Stay in Your Lane
Remain in your designated lane in the small roundabout and avoid changing lanes. If you miss your exit, simply continue around the roundabout until you can safely exit.
Read- How to Do a 3 Point Turn: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Get The Best Tips on Roundabout Safety and Practices With Click2Drive
So, that was all you went through how to properly use a roundabout. Well, navigating roundabouts doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With the right approach and a little practice, you can tackle them with ease and confidence.
At Click2Drive, the top driving school in Los Angeles, we help drivers overcome these common road challenges through expert training and real-world tips that actually work.
Whether you are a beginner or just looking to sharpen your skills, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Our personalized driving lessons in Los Angeles focus on safety, clarity, and building the confidence you need behind the wheel.
Remember,
‘’Confidence behind the wheel starts with the right instruction’’
Why wait? Get in touch with us and let Click2Drive be your partner in safer driving.
Contact
Phone- 818-301-7561
Email- hello@click2drive.com
FAQs on How To Navigate A Roundabout?
Q: How to signal in a roundabout?
A: To signal properly in a roundabout: –
If you are turning right or making a U-turn, signal right before entering the roundabout and continue to signal right until just before your exit. Then, signal left to indicate you are exiting.
If you are going straight, signal right only as you pass the exit before yours, then proceed to your exit.
Q: How can I be more confident at roundabouts?
A: Practice on quieter roundabouts during off-peak hours to build experience and observe how other drivers navigate. Gradually increase the difficulty as your comfort grows.
Q: What is the golden rule for roundabouts?
A: Always yield to traffic coming from your right and do not enter the roundabout unless it is safe to do so. It ensures smooth and safe traffic flow.
Q: How do I get over my fear of roundabouts?
A: Break down the process, plan your exit, approach slowly, and focus on one step at a time. Repeated practice with a calm mindset helps reduce anxiety.
Q: How do you stop hesitation at roundabouts?
A: Prepare early by checking mirrors, assessing gaps, and committing once you see a safe opportunity. Hesitation decreases with familiarity and clear decision-making.
Q: How do I get better at roundabouts?
A: Study roundabout layouts, learn proper lane usage, and seek feedback from experienced drivers or instructors to refine your technique and confidence.
Q: How do you build confidence on a roundabout?
A: Use professional driving lessons, focus on observation and anticipation, and celebrate small successes to gradually increase your confidence.
Q: What are the do’s and don’ts of a roundabout?
A: Do use indicators, stay in your lane, and yield appropriately. Don’t change lanes inside the roundabout or brake suddenly, as this can confuse or endanger others.
Q: What is the correct way to approach a roundabout?
A: Slow down, observe road signs and markings, select the correct lane for your exit, and check for pedestrians and traffic before entering.
