Taking the right turn
With many accidents occurring at traffic circles around the city, we break down the rules for you.
POLOKWANE – In South Africa we often refer to roundabouts as “traffic circles”.
A roundabout is a type of circular intersection that reduces potential conflicts between vehicles and improves the efficiency of the intersection.
This however is a source of great anger for many drivers in the city when motorists use it the wrong way.
The advantages of a roundabout are:
– Traffic calming
– Reduction of angle and head-on crashes
– Reduction of crash severity
– Improvement of intersection capacity
– Aesthetic improvements.
Arrive Alive, has given directions on their website for the correct way to use a traffic circle.
1. Approaching a roundabout:
-On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane.
-If you take your time and make sure you are in the correct lane a good distance from the roundabout you can’t go far wrong.
2. Slow down as you approach the intersection – You’re typically not required to stop.
– A roundabout is designed to be driven at low speed. Entering and traveling through a roundabout at higher speed is difficult and could be unsafe.
– Don’t worry if you have to stop when you reach the roundabout. When it’s clear, ease up off the clutch smoothly, don’t rush, keep using the mirrors, and above all, stay calm.
3. As you enter the roundabout, traffic coming from your right has right of way.
-This means that traffic streaming into the roundabout from the entrance to your right will keep coming as long as no one is coming from their right.
-These cars may not even slow down as they enter the roundabout, because they have the right of way. You must stop and wait until there is a break in traffic. Watch out for other traffic in the roundabout.
4. Once you are on the roundabout maintain a reasonable speed.
-Failing to do this, especially when you are in the right-hand lane, may result in other drivers passing on the nearside.
5. Watch out for vehicles already on the roundabout
– Be aware they may not be signaling correctly or signaling at all.
6. Always keep an eye on the vehicle in front as you’re about to emerge.
-Don’t assume the driver won’t have to stop while you’re still looking right. Many rear end collisions happen this way. Make sure the vehicle has actually moved away.
– Watch for pedestrians and bicycles.
– Keep in mind that buses or large trucks need extra room to make turns and might take up more than one lane in a traffic circle.
– Obey all traffic signs and road markings.
– Signal your intent to other drivers when entering, going around and exiting the circle.
– If you miss your turn, just go around again. Avoid swerving at the last minute.
