Roundabouts are becoming more common in Canada due to their safety and efficiency benefits. Here’s a guide on how to navigate them:

Entering a Roundabout

  1. Approach: Slow down as you approach the roundabout. Look for signs and pavement markings that indicate the correct lane for your intended exit.
  2. Yield: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
  3. Check for Pedestrians: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks near the entrance and exit of the roundabout.

Inside the Roundabout

  1. Stay in Your Lane: Do not change lanes within the roundabout. Stay in your lane until you are ready to exit.
  2. Circulation: Drive in a counterclockwise direction. Always keep to the right of the central island.
  3. Do Not Stop: Keep moving once you are in the roundabout. Stopping can cause accidents.

Exiting a Roundabout

  1. Signal: Use your right turn signal to indicate that you are exiting.
  2. Check for Pedestrians: Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks when exiting.
  3. Exit Safely: Exit the roundabout at your desired exit point.

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

For roundabouts with multiple lanes, the rules are similar, but you must pay extra attention to lane usage and signs.

  1. Choosing the Correct Lane:
    • Right Lane: Use if you are taking the first exit (turning right).
    • Left Lane: Use if you are going straight through or taking any exit beyond the first one (turning left or making a U-turn).
    • Center Lane (if applicable): Follow the road markings and signs to determine the correct usage.
  2. Lane Discipline: Stay in your lane throughout the roundabout and use your signals when exiting.

Special Considerations

  1. Large Vehicles: Be aware that large vehicles, such as trucks and buses, might need extra space and could straddle lanes.
  2. Emergency Vehicles: If an emergency vehicle approaches, do not enter the roundabout. If you are already inside, exit as soon as it is safe, then pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass.

Roundabout Signs and Signals

  1. Yield Sign: Typically found at the entrance, reminding drivers to yield to traffic in the roundabout.
  2. Directional Arrows: Indicate the flow of traffic and guide lane usage.

Benefits of Roundabouts

  1. Safety: Reduce the likelihood of severe collisions compared to traditional intersections.
  2. Efficiency: Improve traffic flow by reducing stop-and-go situations.

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can navigate roundabouts safely and efficiently in Canada.

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