Roundabout Procedures
Roundabout Procedures
If you have a good awareness of your surroundings you will spot signage that informs you of upcoming roundabouts.
1. Ensure your approach speed and selection of gear is appropriate to what is coming up.
2. Ensure on multi-lane approach roundabouts you select the appropriate lane for your destination.
3. USE the MSPSGL routine so that everything that needs to be in place is in place BEFORE you arrive at the roundabout. This will ensure that as you arrive at the roundabout you are LOOKING FOR YOU OPPORTUNITY TO GO. If you are not looking for your opportunity to go, you are probably going to stop! If you stop and there is no reason for you to stop there is a high chance you are going to receive a rear end shunt from a vehicle following you. If there was no reason to stop, the vehicle behind you WILL NOT expect you to be in front of them.
4. ALWAYS GIVE WAY to traffic coming from your right.
5. Lane Discipline is crucial for safe driving, if you miss your exit, are in the wrong lane, then either take the exit for the lane you are in, find a side road to turn around and come back to the roundabout, or if safe to do so, continue all the way around the roundabout ensuring you safely navigate the roundabout to achieve the correct exit point.
6. If moving from any lane into the exit lane that involves crossing lanes, ALWAY ensure you check to your left to ensure it is safe to do so.
7. Attempt on larger roundabouts to look further ahead so you can see your road markings. This will allow you to keep a steady path around the roundabout.
8. On larger roundabouts, look out for KEEP CLEAR areas, be prepared for lights changing on roundabouts controlled by traffic lights.
9. On spirals, follow the dotted lines of your lane until hazard line reappear.
10. Watch out for Blockers who may assist in creating a gap for you to join the roundabout.
Blockers are one of your best friends on busy roundabouts.
Because the rules of giving way to traffic coming from your right applies on all UK roundabouts, there will always be an opportunity arise from a Blocker who is entering the roundabout from one of the other entry points not directly to your right.
HOWEVER! YOU HAVE TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEM!
Just constantly looking to your right and looking for a gap, and you will miss the Blockers coming onto the roundabout from those other entry points.
As soon as one of the Blockers enters the roundabout, you have to be prepared to go, as the opportunity may not last for long. As they enter, all traffic at the entry points to their left will have to stop as they will be giving way to traffic coming from their right. Plan appropriately and you'll be fine. BUT YOU MUST KEEP PAYING ATTENTION!
