Roundabouts provide critical traffic flow control and increase safety for the community. This safety, of course, assumes that you know how to approach, enter and exit a roundabout.
Roundabouts slow the flow of traffic and allow cars to access different roads without having to make a left turn through oncoming traffic. Assuming that you're driving on the right hand side, and depending on the lane markings, you approach a roundabout by slowing and veering to the right. Do not come to a complete stop unless the roundabout is full. In this case, wait your turn to enter when there is an appropriate gap in traffic.
Enter the roundabout by joining the flow of traffic that is circling to the right. If your exit is not until one of the final exits (perhaps three quarters of the way around the roundabout), then move toward the center of the roundabout. If, however, you need to exit more quickly, then stay at the outer edge.
To exit the roundabout, turn on your indicator and veer to the right, towards the exit that you wish to use. Should you miss it (and who hasn't the first time?), simply continue around until you get a second chance to access the exit.
Cars in the roundabout have right of way over cars attempting to enter. Don't force your way in--your turn will come. If you're driving in Europe, you may find that being firm about your entry, by gently easing forward, will aid you in getting a spot in a busy roundabout. Exiting vehicles have right of way over cars that are in the round about. So if you see your exit approaching, drivers should yield to let you leave the roundabout.
Roundabouts are becoming more popular in the United States and initially leave drivers scratching their heads. Once you discover, however, the simplicity of approaching slowly and yielding when necessary, and acknowledge the safety of an avoided left turn, you will be an expert and enthusiastic roundabout driver.
