Road Safety - Roundabouts

On the radio the other day they said that a report had come out saying that the roads are a safe place.  However, I'd beg to differ.  I find that drivers tend to be very selfish on the road, giving little thought for other road users, on roundabouts being a good example.  

For some reason some drivers signal right when they're going straight on, but I am particularly concerned with traffic that is turning right, ie. taking the third exit.  (See 186 paragraph in bold).

184

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. You should

• use Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre at all stages
• decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
• give an appropriate signal (see Rule 186). Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users
• get into the correct lane
• adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
• be aware of the speed and position of all the road users around you

185

When reaching the roundabout you should

• give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
• check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
• watch out for all other road users already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all
• look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off

186

Signals and position.
When taking the first exit to the left, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
• keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave

When taking an exit to the right or going full circle, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
• keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want

When taking any intermediate exit, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise

• select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout
• you should not normally need to signal on approach
• stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
• signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want

When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.


All too often, drivers signal that they're going on round the roundabout when, in fact, they're turning off.  This leads either to traffic waiting to enter the roundabout being delayed needlessly, or not believing the signal and pulling out anyway, thus pulling out on occasion in front of a car that is going all the way round the roundabout.