How to Navigate Roundabouts

[Bill14564]

...
BTW the way, why was this thread raised from the dead pile?

Not sure, but they can now add mine....and yours to the scrap heap

I saw three posts by one poster that were removed shortly after they were added.

[Bogie Shooter]

I saw three posts by one poster that were removed shortly after they were added.

:bigbow:

[JRcorvette]

Here is a nice brochure for visitors and new residents of The Villages Florida on navigating the Roundabouts.

TOTV Team

When you enter a roundabout keep your head on a swivel! People always do crazy stuff in or near those things!

[simplesimonsaid]

And while you're exiting after your "hunt", be sure there isn't another vehicle to your right. Maybe it would be better to learn how to navigate the RB correctly in the first place

The only lane to correctly go all the way round in a roundabout is the inside lane, and you can exit at any time same a normal. nothing should be to your right when exiting as vehicles should yield to you before entering. you seem to be confused with navigating and finding correct direction. maybe you should learn how to navigate a roundabout correctly.

[Hape2Bhr]

Basically yes, very safe practice. But right lane you HAVE to exit 1st or 2nd exit, you can’t go around. Left or Inside lane, the only exit you CAN’T use is the 1st. But you can go around as many times as you need to exit safely. This is nice if you mistakenly entered in the left lane but needed the 1st exit as you just go around until you come to it a second time. Also, you can not change lanes once you are in the RAB, not even when exiting. If you are in left lane you exit to left lane. Right lane exits to right lane.

Then explain why RAB's have dotted lines IN the RAB.

[Bill14564]

Then explain why RAB's have dotted lines IN the RAB.

So that vehicles entering from the left lane don't get the idea that they must use the outside lane?

One of the simple rules of the RAB's: Do not change lanes in the RAB.

[golfing eagles]

The only lane to correctly go all the way round in a roundabout is the inside lane, and you can exit at any time same a normal. nothing should be to your right when exiting as vehicles should yield to you before entering. you seem to be confused with navigating and finding correct direction. maybe you should learn how to navigate a roundabout correctly.

Really. You are joking right??? Did I say a vehicle should be entering when a vehicle in the RB is approaching. In fact, if you search my posts over the past years, I am the person clearly stating that no one should enter when a car is approaching in EITHER lane. However, as I know, and apparently you don't, people enter the RB outer lane when a car is approaching in the inner lane all the time, which is why everyone should always look and be cognizant of their surroundings. Perhaps anyone who suggests that I am "confused, directionally challenged and need to learn about RB" should re-evaluate their statement while I suggest that any such individual learn to read.

[simplesimonsaid]

Really. You are joking right??? Did I say a vehicle should be entering when a vehicle in the RB is approaching. In fact, if you search my posts over the past years, I am the person clearly stating that no one should enter when a car is approaching in EITHER lane. However, as I know, and apparently you don't, people enter the RB outer lane when a car is approaching in the inner lane all the time, which is why everyone should always look and be cognizant of their surroundings. Perhaps anyone who suggests that I am "confused, directionally challenged and need to learn about RB" should re-evaluate their statement while I suggest that any such individual learn to read.

:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Bill14564]

While not the biggest problem we have with the RABs, this page I saw on the internet makes a good point.

[JMintzer]

The only lane to correctly go all the way round in a roundabout is the inside lane, and you can exit at any time same a normal. nothing should be to your right when exiting as vehicles should yield to you before entering. you seem to be confused with navigating and finding correct direction. maybe you should learn how to navigate a roundabout correctly.

https://y.yarn.co/c6943cc0-1c5d-4793-829e-cf6e45e482d8_text.gif

[simplesimonsaid]

https://y.yarn.co/c6943cc0-1c5d-4793-829e-cf6e45e482d8_text.gif

So what lane would you use to go completely round a roundabout?

[golfing eagles]

While not the biggest problem we have with the RABs, this page I saw on the internet makes a good point.

Turns out, I almost always ending being car D :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[djlnc]

So what lane would you use to go completely round a roundabout?

That's the only part of your post that was not WRONG.

[JMintzer]

That's the only part of your post that was not WRONG.

https://media2.giphy.com/media/kd9BlRovbPOykLBMqX/giphy.gif

[simplesimonsaid]

That's the only part of your post that was not WRONG.

there was nothing else wrong. what is the difference with exiting from inside lane at exit 2 or 3 than further round roundabout. just as simple and same method.

[JMintzer]

there was nothing else wrong. what is the difference with exiting from inside lane at exit 2 or 3 than further round roundabout. just as simple and same method.

Try re-reading your last sentence...

[Two Bills]

I think someone is casting flies, and the fish are rising!

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

I think it is called "lane discipline" stick to your lane and you will be fine. Here in the UK we have "orbital" roundabouts where you get one main roundabout with six to eight small roundabouts around it. Each small roundabout has two or three lanes on and off. They really are fun !

No they aren’t fun. (vacationed there last year).

[Hape2Bhr]

So that vehicles entering from the left lane don't get the idea that they must use the outside lane?

One of the simple rules of the RAB's: Do not change lanes in the RAB.

From the Florida Rules of the Road handbook

Rule 9.6

Broken White Line
A broken white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you have signaled and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes.

It is common sense not to change lanes, but it is not against the law.

[Bill14564]

From the Florida Rules of the Road handbook

Rule 9.6

Broken White Line
A broken white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you have signaled and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes.

It is common sense not to change lanes, but it is not against the law.

I don't believe I wrote anything different. One of these days I may look up the actual Florida statute - I don't believe crossing a solid white line is against the law either.

But drivers often aren't aware of what is against the law or simply do not care. Drivers are going to switch lanes in the RABs even though it is a bad idea and completely unnecessary.

EDIT: I couldn't find a Florida "Rules of the Road" handbook but I did find the "Official Florida Driver License Handbook." Roundabouts are explained on page 31. The fourth bullet in that section reads "Do not change lanes in the roundabout." Yes, the handbook also describes broken white lines, but the more specific section on roundabouts applies to this thread.

[kaydees1]

The Wildwood Police Department Needs to go back the The Academy. They have not been taught how trafic is suppose to enter the round abouts. Trafic in the right lane can only exit right or go straight. Traffic in the left lane can only go straight or exit left. On July 7th, I was traveling North on Peralis road in the left lane. A tractor trailer rig was in the right lane. I was about 3/4 on the side of the tractor rig. The driver then crossed in front of me to exit the round about in the circle. I stopped and began laying on my horn but he continued in the turn. I watchas the trailer came closer towards me. He hit the right front fender and tore the front of of my vehicle. I called 911 and requested a Po0lice Officer. My wife was having problems breathing, so I pushed the SOS button in my vehicle and an operator came on line.I explained that I needed ambulance. One was imedetally dispatched. They took her to the hospital. The Wildwood Police department said I was at fault for not YEALDING. I went back and took pictures of the Sign Entwerinf the Round Abouts and the White Paint strips. I complained to the Wildood Police Lieutenant, He stated, "I WAS NO THERE". Do you see a problem with the Wildood Police Department??????
DWight Brown

[Bogie Shooter]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[Rainger99]

The Wildwood Police Department Needs to go back the The Academy. They have not been taught how trafic is suppose to enter the round abouts. Trafic in the right lane can only exit right or go straight. Traffic in the left lane can only go straight or exit left. On July 7th, I was traveling North on Peralis road in the left lane. A tractor trailer rig was in the right lane. I was about 3/4 on the side of the tractor rig. The driver then crossed in front of me to exit the round about in the circle. I stopped and began laying on my horn but he continued in the turn. I watchas the trailer came closer towards me. He hit the right front fender and tore the front of of my vehicle. I called 911 and requested a Po0lice Officer. My wife was having problems breathing, so I pushed the SOS button in my vehicle and an operator came on line.I explained that I needed ambulance. One was imedetally dispatched. They took her to the hospital. The Wildwood Police department said I was at fault for not YEALDING. I went back and took pictures of the Sign Entwerinf the Round Abouts and the White Paint strips. I complained to the Wildood Police Lieutenant, He stated, "I WAS NO THERE". Do you see a problem with the Wildood Police Department??????
DWight Brown

What happened? The accident happened in July. It is October. Were you convicted or did they drop the charges? Give us the rest of the story.

[kaydees1]

The Wildwood Police Department, Sergeant Layne, stated he was not going to issue a citation, he was going to let the Insurance Department handle it, since Florida is a no Fault Accident State. He did not issue a citation, but the Accident report said I was at fault for failings to Yield. My Insurance Company said I was not at fault. I took pictures of the area and the accident and took them to the Wildwood Police Department to file a complaint with Sergeant Layne's Lieutenant Supervisor and all he would say is "I was not there, Laws in Florida are different than in California. No Lawyers would take the case because of the Sergeant report.
Everyone in The Villages must be aware of their surroundings.

[Altavia]

Not wise to drive along side a semi in roundabout. Our roundabouts are so tight they can't stay in lane..They may not see you. Back off and give them space.

Same is true with the contractors pulling long trailers.

You have to drive very defensively here.

[Davonu]

Not wise to drive along side a semi in roundabout...

Rule #1 of roundabout driving…do not drive next to ANY vehicle within the roundabout.

[Bill14564]

Rule #1 of roundabout driving…do not drive next to ANY vehicle within the roundabout.

I drive next to vehicles on two lane roads, around corners on two lane roads, and through double left turn lanes all the time. Long trailers win due to simple geometry but other vehicles can stay in their own lane and we won’t have any problems at all.

[golfing eagles]

I drive next to vehicles on two lane roads, around corners on two lane roads, and through double left turn lanes all the time. Long trailers win due to simple geometry but other vehicles can stay in their own lane and we won’t have any problems at all.

Until you do..........

[Topspinmo]

Starting all over again……
Will there be another 200+ posts?
Mostly just repeats of prior posts?
BTW the way, why was this thread raised from the dead pile?

Cause you keep posting nothings. :icon_wink:

[Bogie Shooter]

Cause you keep posting nothings. :icon_wink:

And this added what?🫢

[Bill14564]

Until you do..........

Yep, but that goes for all those situations, nothing unique about roundabouts.

[jimbomaybe]

This SUV tried to run over one of our cyclist the other day. Going north on Buena Vista by the Savannah center round about, our group after stopping to let other cars clear, started north again. That is when this SUV came up from behind us in the left lane and crossed in front of our lane to turn right on El Camino Real just missing the lead rider by inches, and mean inches. Had he not turned his from wheel to the right just a little, he would have been hit. No telling what injuries might have occurred if the contact had happened. Fortunately, the last cyclist had a camera going and we were able to get the license number. We called the Sumter County police, and officer Wills, to report the incident. We were not looking to ticket the driver, but to let him/her know that crossing two lanes at a high rate of speed is jeopardizing the safety, and maybe the life of these cyclist. The officer refused to help even after giving him the license number. I wonder if the same officer would have shown any interest if this SUV had collided with the bicycle? I guess someone has to be injured before this officer would help with the situation. If you know this person, please notify them that what they did was totally wrong, and could have cost someone their life just to make the turn 5 seconds earlier. They never stopped, or even acknowledged any wrong doing. Even after giving the Sumter County officer the license number he refused to do anything telling me that Florida license plates has 6 numbers/letters not 5. I know that vanity plates in Florida can have less than 6. I am not sure why he chose not to pursue this problem, or at least make a call telling them they are now being watched and should be more considerate of cyclist. Here is a picture of the SUV. Please let me know if you know this person. License # SJE IT
Thanks for caring,
58250

Cyclists always make me nervous, for that reason I always give them all the room I can, good for everyone, I would be even more nervous if were were a cyclist here with the way some people drive

[fdpaq0580]

Until you do..........

True! And one may not start out next to a truck/trailer, but might be overtaken by one in a hurry. Beware of contractors and speeders changing lanes inappropriately.

[fdpaq0580]

The Wildwood Police Department Needs to go back the The Academy. They have not been taught how trafic is suppose to enter the round abouts. Trafic in the right lane can only exit right or go straight. Traffic in the left lane can only go straight or exit left. On July 7th, I was traveling North on Peralis road in the left lane. A tractor trailer rig was in the right lane. I was about 3/4 on the side of the tractor rig. The driver then crossed in front of me to exit the round about in the circle. I stopped and began laying on my horn but he continued in the turn. I watchas the trailer came closer towards me. He hit the right front fender and tore the front of of my vehicle. I called 911 and requested a Po0lice Officer. My wife was having problems breathing, so I pushed the SOS button in my vehicle and an operator came on line.I explained that I needed ambulance. One was imedetally dispatched. They took her to the hospital. The Wildwood Police department said I was at fault for not YEALDING. I went back and took pictures of the Sign Entwerinf the Round Abouts and the White Paint strips. I complained to the Wildood Police Lieutenant, He stated, "I WAS NO THERE". Do you see a problem with the Wildood Police Department??????
DWight Brown

Lieutenant probably wasn't there at the time of the accident and didn't witness it, making him not able to comment on your story.
So, my question is this: who entered the rb first? If truck did, you were overtaking him in the rb. That would be unwise, to say the least.

[Two Bills]

Here in UK and Europe, where most, not all, understand roundabout lane discipline, you always give semis all the room in roundabouts, and never drive alongside.
The drivers have blind spots, and need space to maneuver.

[fdpaq0580]

Here in UK and Europe, where most,not all, understand roundabout lane discipline, you always give semis all the room in roundabouts, and never drive alongside.
The drivers have blind spots, and need space to maneuver.

"Not all" applies here as well as advice to give big rigs lots of space. Our rb's are small and often big rigs will need both lanes no matter left turn, right turn, or straight on. Getting alongside of one in an rb is foolishness.

[dewilson58]

Rule #1 of roundabout driving…do not drive next to ANY vehicle within the roundabout.

I thought it was drive counter-clockwise.

:oops:

[fdpaq0580]

I thought it was drive counter-clockwise.

:oops:

Wouldn't that depend on which country you are in?. 🤔

[Altavia]

I drive next to vehicles on two lane roads, around corners on two lane roads, and through double left turn lanes all the time. Long trailers win due to simple geometry but other vehicles can stay in their own lane and we won’t have any problems at all.


In theory, correct.

But most drivers in the left lane turn in too early on exit sending a wheel into the right lane.

Same as most drivers turn into too early turning left at an intersection cutting across the opposite lane.

[djlnc]

I thought it was drive counter-clockwise.

:oops:

Except during the Vernal Equinox, when it is clockwise.

[fdpaq0580]

Except during the Vernal Equinox, when it is clockwise.

Oh! Ship! I didn't know about the equinox thing! Must have been covered on the day I ditched driver Ed class. Let me look this up. Variable Aquasocks, right? I'm a little hard of herring. 🫨😲☹️

[fdpaq0580]

In theory, correct.

But most drivers in the ROB left lane turn in too early on exit sending a wheel into the right lane.

Same as most drivers turn into too early turning left at an intersection cutting across the opposite lane.

Maybe if they would go the suggested 20mph that wouldn't happen. (Who am I kidding) 😄😄😄

[kaydees1]

Not wise to drive along side a semi in roundabout. Our roundabouts are so tight they can't stay in lane..They may not see you. Back off and give them space.

Same is true with the contractors pulling long trailers.

You have to drive very defensively here.

Altavia, Semi's with trailers are not suppose to exit the right lane across the left lane to enter the circle. The roads are wide enough from the left lane to exit. Do you work for the Wildwood Police Department????
kaydees1

[kaydees1]

I never entered the right bound lane. When I saw the tractortrailer cross in front of me from the right lane across the left lane to exit the road for the circle, I stopped and laid on my horn to let him know I was there. He did not stop, being in a turn, he just kepted coming closer and closer until he hit me.
kaydees1

[kaydees1]

Lieutenant probably wasn't there at the time of the accident and didn't witness it, making him not able to comment on your story.
So, my question is this: who entered the rb first? If truck did, you were overtaking him in the rb. That would be unwise, to say the least.

I never entered the right bound lane. When I saw the tractortrailer cross in front of me from the right lane across the left lane to exit the road for the circle, I stopped and laid on my horn to let him know I was there. He did not stop, being in a turn, he just kepted coming closer and closer until he hit me.
kaydees1

[Bogie Shooter]

Altavia, Semi's with trailers are not suppose to exit the right lane across the left lane to enter the circle. The roads are wide enough from the left lane to exit. Do you work for the Wildwood Police Department????
kaydees1

I never entered the right bound lane. When I saw the tractortrailer cross in front of me from the right lane across the left lane to exit the road for the circle, I stopped and laid on my horn to let him know I was there. He did not stop, being in a turn, he just kepted coming closer and closer until he hit me.
kaydees1

I never entered the right bound lane. When I saw the tractortrailer cross in front of me from the right lane across the left lane to exit the road for the circle, I stopped and laid on my horn to let him know I was there. He did not stop, being in a turn, he just kepted coming closer and closer until he hit me.
kaydees1

This gets more confusing with each up date.
I seem to recall this action was covered in detail on several of the previous 275 posts.
🫢

[djlnc]

This gets more confusing with each up date.
I seem to recall this action was covered in detail on several of the previous 275 posts.
🫢

I think what's happening here is that the truck was in the outer lane and the car was in the inner lane. As the truck approached his exit, he veered into the left lane so he would have enough clearance on his right side to make the turn. (Much like some car drivers do when making a right turn.)

[TCULBERSON]

Congrats. This thread started back in 2015. If we bury it again, maybe we can dig it back up in 2033 to discuss how to navigate a roundabout. Who will be #300?

[Bilyclub]

Congrats. This thread started back in 2015. If we bury it again, maybe we can dig it back up in 2033 to discuss how to navigate a roundabout. Who will be #300?

I guess you did not notice that the threads at the top of the General Discussion Forum are sticky, and meant to be added too. Though the poster who started this 3 page rehash probably shouldn’t have.

[fdpaq0580]

#300

[Bogie Shooter]

#300

Excellent post.
Factual, timely, concise, non controversial and informative.




👍😎

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Yes. We've had them available for years. If people could just imagine an intersection instead of a circle, there would be no left turns from the right lane or right turns from the left lane. Thanks for posting it.

[fdpaq0580]

Yes. We've had them available for years. If people could just imagine an intersection instead of a circle, there would be no left turns from the right lane or right turns from the left lane. Thanks for posting it.

Not legally, but I see it at regular intersections on a (sadly) all too frequent basis. Blessed be the drivers that anticipate and avoid these jerkovs (pardon my Russian).