Roundabouts Flashcards
Balls Corner roundabout
When going ahead we use the middle lane.
When going ahead keep left of the red markings, when turning right keep right of the red marking.
As always check mirrors and signal to exit.
Hazards at roundabouts
Pedestrians who are waiting to cross the road.
Crossings are often found near roundabout junctions. Remember if the crossing is light controlled this is for the crossing and you may still have to give way before moving on to the roundabout.
Cyclists and horse riders who will often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they are intending to turn right. Always allow extra room
Motorcyclists and cyclists who can be difficult to see on roundabouts
Long vehicles due to their length may need to straddle two lanes as they move around a roundabout. Watch out for their signals and leave additional room
Other vehicles in the wrong lane which could be crossing your path on a roundabout
The road surface which can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Avoid harsh braking or accelerating
What is the routine used for roundabouts?
MSPSL
Mirrors for roundabouts
Check the correct mirrors for the direction you are going
Assess if actions will affect vehicles behind and you
Signal for roundabouts
Signal if we are going left / right
Not too early / late
Position for roundabouts
Look well ahead at the layout of the road and choose the correct lane for the direction you are going
You can look at the roundabout and if your exit is before 12 then it is normally the left lane on approach and if it is after 12 it is usually the right lane, but road signs and markings may override this rule
Choose correct position in good time - good signal to others
Speed for roundabouts
Reduce speed early = easier to see if clear
Speed depends on what you can see
Use open / closed junction rules to determine what speed and gear you need
Look for roundabouts
Is it safe?
Give way to the right - work out where others are going
Exiting before you?
Blockers?
Look for other traffic and hazards, assess the situation, decide whether to go / wait, act on your decision
What is a blocker?
Someone who blocks the traffic on the right from moving, but they also exit before getting to us which creates a gap for us to proceed
Try not to hesitate - once seen blocker = go
What should you do once on the roundabout?
Keep good lane discipline
What do you conduct when you leave the roundabout?
An exit routine
What does an exit routine consist of?
- Check the middle and left mirror
- Signal as we pass the exit before the one we are taking
Penn Inn NA-TQ
Lane 2 before TC
Lane 2 after TC
Lane 3/4 on approach
Follow past first exit (lanes 3/4) - becomes lane 1/2
Check mirrors at all points
Check enough space for you on other side of roundabout (not in box junction)
Penn Inn NA-Milber
Lane 2 before TC
Lane 2 after TC
Lane 3 up to roundabout lights
Lane 2 as over roundabout and lane splits (check left mirror)
Keep in lane 2 as exit roundabout
Turn right (steep hill start)
Check mirrors at all points
Penn Inn NA-Buckland/Combeinteignhead
Lane 1 before TC
Lane 1 after TC
Lane 2 up to roundabout lights
As pass first exit, lose lane 1 to Exeter - now become lane 1
Left lane until exit roundabout - lane splits - 1 for Buckland, 2 for Combeinteignhead (big pot hole)
Penn Inn Milber-NA
Lane 1/2 (2 for TC)
Hug centre line on left
Watch out for traffic lights under bridge
Stay in lane 2 past first exit
Right hand lane as exit
Lane splits: left = town, right = TC
Penn Inn TQ-NA
Lane 1 on dual carriageway
Lane 2 as road splits
Lane 2 as road splits again (centre)
Signal left
Lane 2 once off roundabout
Penn Inn Exeter-NA
Lane 2 as head down hill
Lane splits: lane 2 = sainsbury’s/Totnes, lane 3 = TC/town
TC: right lane whole way round - hug centre line
Watch out for lights under bridge
Lane 2 on exit if going to TC
Penn Inn Milber-Exeter
Lane 2 on approach
Lane 2 after first exit
Lane 1 as pass 2nd exit (keep right as lane splits towards NA)
Lane 1 as exit
Penn Inn TQ-Totnes
Lane 1 on dual carriageway
Lane 1 on slip road
Lane 1 as splits
Keep left as turn off
Roundabouts: turn left and take the first exit
Check your middle and left mirrors
Signal left
Position your car in the left lane
Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.
Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.
Roundabouts: follow the road ahead and take the second exit
Check your mirrors
No signal
Position your car in the left lane
Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.
Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.
Keep left on the roundabout, leaving room for a car on your right.
After passing the last exit before leaving the roundabout, you will need to check your mirrors and signal left to exit the roundabout. (Marked with a yellow line.)
Roundabouts: Turn right and take the third exit
Check your middle and right mirrors
Signal right
Position your car in the right lane
Slow down to a speed you can both, control the car and gives you enough time to make a decision. Select a gear that matches your speed.
Look for a safe gap to enter the roundabout, don’t forget to keep checking ahead to keep your car positioned in the correct place.
Keep right on the roundabout, leaving room for a car on your left.
After passing the last exit before leaving the roundabout, you will need to check your mirrors and signal left to exit the roundabout. (Marked with a yellow line.)
Priorities on roundabouts
Give way to traffic already on the roundabout or approaching for the right.
Only go when you feel that’s it’s safe and that you wouldn’t cause anyone to slow down.
Start assessing the traffic as early as possible as this will give you the best chance to find a gap on the approach.
Look out for blockers to help you into the roundabout. (See the video for more information.)
Types of roundabouts
Mini
Spiral
Double mini
Mini roundabouts
Mini roundabouts follow the same rules as other roundabouts.
You don’t need to signal as you exit. This is because nobody will benefit from the signal as you will already be leaving.
You must make sure you go around the central markings
Spiral roundabouts
Spiral roundabouts are slightly different from normal roundabouts in that you will have a lane that spirals outwards as you go past exits.
Use signposts and road markings to guide you and beware of other driver in other lanes.
Double-mini roundabouts
These are two mini-roundabouts next to each other. They follow the same rules as other roundabouts, you must give way at both roundabouts. You may need to consider your signals as they could be mis-leading
