Roundabouts are a very efficient way of managing traffic flow, but it is easy to get disorientated
halfway around and miss your exit. In this video, we will share a simple method that
will help you navigate a roundabout easily and safely - and it’s as simple as counting 1 - 2 - 3!
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When driving around smaller roundabouts we can see where we are going, as we can look
across the roundabout and spot our exit at any time. However, when driving around larger
roundabouts the island in the middle blocks our view, so it is easy to miss our exit.
In addition, many large roundabouts have more than 4 exits - which will add to the confusion!
What is needed is a reliable way to know exactly where we are on the roundabout, so we can
get ready for our exit in good time. By the way, we have already made several other videos
about roundabouts, so click the link above for our playlist if you would like to see
which lane to use, when to indicate, or even how to enter a busy roundabout.
All we need to do is count around the roundabout! We can check the traffic sign or our sat-nav
to get the number of our exit, and then we can use that to navigate around the roundabout.
Let's practice driving straight ahead on this smaller roundabout.
Since we need the second exit, we count to one and then take the exit.
Let’s watch that again from inside the car.
We approach the roundabout normally, and as soon as we reach exit 1,
we check our mirrors and signal before taking our exit.
Next, we’ll turn right at the same roundabout.
This time we need to count exits one… and two… before taking our exit.
We count as before, then as we pass the second exit we
check our mirrors, indicate, and then change lanes and leave the roundabout.
Let’s move to a larger roundabout next.
The benefit of counting around roundabouts is that we can get ready for our exit before
we even see it. On this large roundabout, we count the 1st and 2nd exits, then indicate
left - as we know our exit is next. Signalling to leave the roundabout promptly is important
on large roundabouts as it makes our intended path clear to other drivers. This will reduce
the chances of any misunderstanding - which could cause danger.
Counting around roundabouts like this allows us to plan ahead and get ready for our exit.
As soon as we see the exit before ours we have plenty of time to check our mirrors for
any hazards, before committing to our exit. If another vehicle is close to our car, we
have a chance to avoid them before they collide with us.
This large roundabout has 5 exits and the national speed limit - so knowing where we are is essential here.
We need the 4th exit, so we count exits 1, 2, and 3,
and then change lanes carefully so we are ready for our exit.
Moving to the left lane this early makes it clear where we are going to other drivers.
We check carefully for fast-moving traffic before entering the roundabout and then get up to speed promptly.
The exits are fairly spread apart, so there is plenty of time to count them.
As soon as we spot the 3rd exit we check our mirrors and left blind spot, indicate promptly, and then change lanes.
This is a lot safer than staying in the right lane until we see our exit,
as that would leave us far less time to change lanes.
Since roundabouts can be almost any shape or size, here are five more for you to practice your counting on.
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