Staying Safe at
Roundabouts
A roundabout is a central island in the middle of an intersection, where all vehicles must travel to the left of the island. Roundabouts can be small, large, single-laned, or multi-laned. The number of roads that come into a roundabout can range from three to five or even more.
The operating speed at roundabouts is usually 20-30km/h unless it is a large roundabout on a motorway where it would be designed for higher speeds.
The main objective is to keep traffic moving, even if it is at a slower pace. Once vehicles come to a standstill, it takes time for the traffic to move again.
Single-laned Roundabouts
When you come up to a roundabout that has only one lane in each direction:
Slow down as you come up to the roundabout and be prepared to give way.
Give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
Multi-laned Roundabouts
Most roundabouts that have more than one lane in each direction are marked with lanes and arrows, which help you enter and leave the roundabout. The lane markings and arrows will tell you which lane to use.
Not all roundabouts are marked the same way, so take extra care – especially at the exits. If you need to cross from one lane to another near an exit, give way to any vehicles in the lane that you want to enter.
When coming up to a multi-laned roundabout:
- Slow down as you come up to the roundabout and be prepared to give way.
- Be in the correct lane for where you want to go.
- Give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
Signal Use at Roundabouts - Turning left at first exit
If you are turning left at the first exit of a roundabout:
Signal left as you come up to the roundabout.
Signal Use at Roundabouts - Turning more than halfway
If you are travelling more than halfway around a roundabout:
- Signal right as you come up to the roundabout
- Signal left as you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.
Look out for cyclists who may find it difficult to maintain a turn signal on a roundabout and are exempt from this requirement.
Important
At roundabout, look out for vehicles that:
- May have to change lanes to exit
- May not be able to stay in their lane because they are:
- Large ( for example, buses)
- Travelling too fast
Roundabout Signs
Some of the signs you may see at a roundabout are shown below.
Roundabout
This sign tells you that you are coming up to a roundabout. You should be ready to give way.
Keep left
This one tells you to keep to the left of the traffic island as you come up to the roundabout.
Give way
This sign tells you that you must apply the roundabout give way rules.
Give way Rules
Some of the give way rules at a roundabout are shown below:
- Road users must stop or give way at necessary Stop signs, Give Way signs and traffic signals.
- If you are turning, give way to vehicles not turning.
- If you are turning right, give way to all vehicles coming towards you including those turning left. Note: this applies if both vehicles are facing no signs or signals or the same signs or signals.
- At a T intersection or driveway, give way to all traffic on the continuing road.
- In all other situations, give way to vehicles coming from your right.