Roundabout Rules
June 16, 2008
The traffic circles at FoxCreek were devised to slow traffic and keep residents safe. It is important to know the correct way of entering and exiting traffic circles. VDOT places all traffic signs around the roundabout for safety purposes of the drivers and pedestrians. Concerns that yield signs on FoxCreek Crossing have not been placed and confusion on how to correctly drive a traffic circle have been very frequent. VDOT places orange roundabout signs to warn drivers of what’s ahead.
Found at the DMV in the Driver’s Manual: Rules of the Road, here is an excerpt on how to correctly drive a traffic circle.
“Circular Intersections”
Roundabouts, rotaries, and traffic circles are intersections that are controlled by a circular island in the center. Circular intersections may have one or more lanes. Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to circulating traffic. Each road approaching the circular intersection is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. However, rotaries and other circles may have stop signs. Drivers must be attentive and obey message signs. Circular intersections are easy to use. Simply position your vehicle correctly and use your turn signals to indicate where you want to go.
When approaching a circular intersection, slow down. You must yield to traffic already in the circulatory roadway. If you plan to turn right, stay to the right as you enter the circular intersection. If you plan to go straight, you may stay in either lane (if it is a dual lane circular intersection). If you plan to turn left, stay to the left as you enter the circular intersection. Studies show a roundabout can reduce the number and severity of crashes at an intersection, compared to intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic signals. Modern roundabouts are widely used in Europe and Australia, and are becoming more common in Virginia. More information about driving safely through a roundabout is available at the Virginia Department of Transportation web site at http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/info/faqroundabouts.asp.
Tips for driving safely through a roundabout:
• As you approach the roundabout, slow down; look for the street and direction signs. This will help you know which exit to take. These signs should be posted along the roadside before you reach the roundabout.
• When you arrive at the roundabout, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists. You also must yield to any drivers already in the roundabout. Sometimes your entry point will be controlled by a stop sign or traffic signal. When the traffic level allows enough space and time, you may enter the roundabout.
• While inside the roundabout, stay in your lane until you are ready to exit. Use your vehicle’s right turn signal to let the other users know what you want to do, whether you want to move from the “inside path” to the “outside path” before exiting, or are already in position to exit.
• Do not change lanes or take an exit before checking for vehicles that may be continuing through the roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. Expect vehicles to be in “blind spots” you cannot see in your rearview mirrors.