WELLINGTON CTY. – Over the past couple weeks the county OPP has received a couple complaints and inquiries about roundabouts and how to use them safely.
OPP Constable Mark Cloes noted there are roundabouts in Elora and it may be time to remind motorists what they are and offer some safety tips on how to navigate them with little or no fuss.
A roundabout is an intersection where traffic flows in a counter clockwise direction around a centre island.
How to use one
1. Approach
– reduce speed;
– watch for signs that may help to find the right exit; and
– watch for people using the crosswalk, and be ready to stop.
2. Yield
– before entering, yield to traffic already in the roundabout that may be coming from the left.
3. Enter
– enter the roundabout to your right (a counter clockwise direction) when there is a gap in traffic and it is safe to do so;
– continue until you reach the correct exit.
4. Exit
– never come to a full stop in a roundabout unless traffic conditions require it.
– use the right turn signal to let other road users know which road you plan to exit;
– exit at slow speeds;
– when exiting, watch for people using the crosswalk, and be ready to stop; and
– If missing the correct exit, keep going and continue around the roundabout until reaching that exit again.
Cloes concluded, “Roundabouts were created to improve the flow of traffic, and reduce traffic tie-ups at congested intersections. Be cautious and courteous in your driving and you should have little difficulties.”
