I'm Staff Sergeant Jan Idzenga of the Ontario Provincial Police
and I'm here to talk about roundabouts.
As you approach the roundabout, slow down
and pull into the proper lane depending on your destination
The appropriate lane choice
is based on the driver's desired exit or intended destination.
In all cases signs will direct drivers
to the proper lane
Drivers using the left lane have the following options: left turns
straight ahead movements
vehicles using the right lane must make an immediate right turn
or a straight ahead movement.
Remember to maintain your lane position
One of the most important concepts of a a roundabout
is the yield principal. All vehicles must yield to traffic
inside the roundabout as well as vehicles exiting.
Drivers should only enter
after sufficient space is available to maneuver safely into the roundabout
Defensive driving is appropriate in all situations.Make sure you are aware of other
vehicles
within the roundabout and be alert to drivers entering and exiting.
Everyone must follow the rules of the road.
Failure to observe these rules will create unsafe conditions for you and other drivers
Before entering always yield to traffic within the roundabout.
Entering without sufficient space will cause an unsafe condition.
In this situation,
the vehicle in the right lane cuts off the driver in the left lane
intending to exit. Be aware of other vehicles in the lane next to you.
The may be unaware of your intended exit.
Never change lanes while inside the roundabout.
Some people think that roundabouts aren't designed to handle large vehicles
but there are actually features built into the roundabouts that allow
vehicles like buses and tractor-trailers to navigate the roundabout easily.
The slightly raised area around the outside the center island
is called the truck apron and is designed to accommodate large vehicles.
If you see a truck or a bus with the back wheels up on the apron
don't worry that's what the Truck apron is for.
Large vehicles may have to use more than one lane on the approach or within the
roundabout to make a turn.
All drivers should be aware of these features
at the roundabout and should always give
large vehicles plenty of room to manoeuvre.
What about emergency vehicles ?
If you have not yet entered the roundabout
pull over to the right if possible.
Wait until the emergency vehcile has passed before proceeding.
If you are in a roundabout when an emergency vehicle approaches take your intended exit
and proceed beyond the splitter island
before pulling over as far as you safely can to stop to the right side
of the roadway allowing the emergency vehicles to pass.
Pedestrians should wait for a safe gap in traffic and then walk to the splitter island
then cross from the splitter island to the far side of the road when a safe gap in traffic
occurs.
Cyclists have two options when traveling through roundabouts:
Dismount ahead at the roundabout and walk with their bicycle.
Follow the same rules that apply to pedestrians.
For experienced cyclists, use the roundabout as if you were a vehicle.
Signal your intent to merge into the middle of the appropriate approach lane
prior to entering the roundabout. Stay in the middle that lane and
follow all the rules that apply to vehicles .
Thanks for joining me on this informative look at roundabouts and
remember to always yield before entering a roundabout and drive safely.