Roundabouts Are Safe

[kappy]

In the almost 6 years that I have lived here, I have not heard of 20 accidents in our roundabouts and there were no serious injuries in any of them. Compare that with the number of auto accidents at cross streets like 466 and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd., or 466A and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd. What about 466 and Rolling Acres? And how many of those have had bodily injuries or deaths?

The primary reason that roundabouts are safe is that all vehicles approaching a roundabout have to slow down. At these slower speeds, it is easier to avoid an accident when another driver doesn’t follow the proper procedures for negotiating the roundabout. I have seen many close calls and angry drivers when someone is not following proper procedures. However, close calls and angry drivers are better than accidents and injuries.

Roundabouts are easy as long as you stay in your lane, keep your speed at 20 MPH, use your turn signals whenever you exit, and NEVER change your lane in a roundabout. Since the snowbirds have returned, it is wise to give youself a little extra time to get to your destination. Be safe out there.

[VApeople]

I don't know if your statistics are accurate, but I do agree with your post.

Roundabouts are safe, especially if you use a little common sense. Yes, I do honk at people who do not follow the rules and yield to me when I have the right-of-way, but I have never come close to hitting anyone, probably because I do not expect people to follow the rules.

For example, I often see people driving 3/4 of the way around a roundabout in the outside lane. When I am in the inside lane, I do not drive next to a person in the outside lane, so if they want to go all of the way around the roundabout in the outside lane, I let them.

[Chi-Town]

Agree that roundabouts are safer due to slower speeds. As far as the 466 at Buena Vista or Morse intersections go, a turn left on arrow only would cut down the serious crashes.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[fw102807]

Agree that roundabouts are safer due to slower speeds. As far as the 466 at Buena Vista or Morse intersections go, a turn left on arrow only would cut down the serious crashes.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

:agree: Roundabouts have their limitations.

[billethkid]

In the almost 6 years that I have lived here, I have not heard of 20 accidents in our roundabouts and there were no serious injuries in any of them. Compare that with the number of auto accidents at cross streets like 466 and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd., or 466A and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd. What about 466 and Rolling Acres? And how many of those have had bodily injuries or deaths?

The primary reason that roundabouts are safe is that all vehicles approaching a roundabout have to slow down. At these slower speeds, it is easier to avoid an accident when another driver doesn’t follow the proper procedures for negotiating the roundabout. I have seen many close calls and angry drivers when someone is not following proper procedures. However, close calls and angry drivers are better than accidents and injuries.

Roundabouts are easy as long as you stay in your lane, keep your speed at 20 MPH, use your turn signals whenever you exit, and NEVER change your lane in a roundabout. Since the snowbirds have returned, it is wise to give youself a little extra time to get to your destination. Be safe out there.

The highlight above rules out about 50% of those using roundabouts. The near miss incident rate is substantial.
Always let the other person go first.
Always assume the person next to you or in front of you will cross over into your lane.

[Two Bills]

Roundabouts Are Safe


It's the drivers who are the problem!

[cypress]

Not sure how to phase this but I "could" have an accident almost everyday if I followed the rules of the roundabout and did not drive defensively.

[BobnBev]

In the almost 6 years that I have lived here, I have not heard of 20 accidents in our roundabouts and there were no serious injuries in any of them. Compare that with the number of auto accidents at cross streets like 466 and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd., or 466A and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd. What about 466 and Rolling Acres? And how many of those have had bodily injuries or deaths?

The primary reason that roundabouts are safe is that all vehicles approaching a roundabout have to slow down. At these slower speeds, it is easier to avoid an accident when another driver doesn’t follow the proper procedures for negotiating the roundabout. I have seen many close calls and angry drivers when someone is not following proper procedures. However, close calls and angry drivers are better than accidents and injuries.

Roundabouts are easy as long as you stay in your lane, keep your speed at 20 MPH, use your turn signals whenever you exit, and NEVER change your lane in a roundabout. Since the snowbirds have returned, it is wise to give youself a little extra time to get to your destination. Be safe out there.

Spot on

[capecoralbill]

Not sure how to phase this but I "could" have an accident almost everyday if I followed the rules of the roundabout and did not drive defensively.
This is the best and most correct statement about the Roundabouts that i have ever read. Thankyou

[Ooper]

Not sure how to phase this but I "could" have an accident almost everyday if I followed the rules of the roundabout and did not drive defensively.

One should ALWAYS drive defensibly whether they are in a round-a-bout, a standard intersection or just driving down the road.

[Topspinmo]

I’m amazed how many stop before entering roundabouts when no traffic is visible or in the roundabout, but the will roll through stops signs. Roundabouts entries are yeild signs, which means you don’t stop, you slow down and yeild if traffic IN the roundabout. When you stop with no traffic in the round about you clog up traffic behind you and risk getting hit. Remember right laner’s dont have the right of way when entering roundabout left lane traffic coming to exit. So don’t pop out and cause the left lane car to stop. This clogs up roundabouts and can cause accidents.

[capecoralbill]

Remember right laner’s dont have the right of way when entering roundabout left lane traffic coming to exit. So don’t pop out and cause the left lane car to stop. .

Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?

[rustyp]

Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?

yes - ref column 1, paragraph 1, sentence one. "YIELD to all traffic in the roundabout".
ref paragraph 3,sentence 1, "DO NOT ENTER next to a vehicle in the roundabout".
:boom:

[VApeople]

Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?

YES!

The person in the inside lane may be leaving at the next exit. If you go out, they may hit you, and you will be at fault.

[BobnBev]

I’m amazed how many stop before entering roundabouts when no traffic is visible or in the roundabout, but the will roll through stops signs. Roundabouts entries are yeild signs, which means you don’t stop, you slow down and yeild if traffic IN the roundabout. When you stop with no traffic in the round about you clog up traffic behind you and risk getting hit. Remember right laner’s dont have the right of way when entering roundabout left lane traffic coming to exit. So don’t pop out and cause the left lane car to stop. This clogs up roundabouts and can cause accidents.

Saw that happen just yesterday. Morse Blvd & Stillwater circle

[EdFNJ]

--<clip>--In the almost 6 years that I have lived here, I have not heard of 20 accidents in our roundabouts and there were no serious injuries in any of them.
Not sure where you are "hearing of" (or from) but we have been here just 2 years(as of Jan) and just at the Stillwater & O'Dell circles along Morse alone we have actually SEEN a couple dozen accidents (some actually happening and most the aftermath (and most at Stillwater) during that time. While I can't give specific numbers because we obviously didn't keep a running count I can say for sure we have seen pretty close to or maybe more than 20. We remember more than one week when we noted at least 2 in one day. Most fortunately they were not serious - but there were some that were because of multiple ambulances -but definitely with vehicle damage. My guess it was during "high season" (PUN intended). Often cars coming out of Stillwater on the cart path side into the circle were involved.

We walk (and cart) between those 2 circles on average of 3x a day so it's hard to miss the loud screech and then the terrible metal to metal crunching sound.

Gotta be careful out there.

[Two Bills]

If drivers only cottoned on to the fact, you don't turn left from the right hand lane.
So simple.

[adeleb]

Roundabouts for me are the most anxiety provoking thing about TV.
I only come down for a short time so I think it’s a combo of lack of practice and also unfamiliarity with directions so difficult to position myself in proper lane to enter.
I review the rules when I’m here but I still dislike them.
I suppose it’s like someone traveling a familiar road behind someone who is in unfamiliar territory and looking for the right street. Infuriating for the former and panic provoking for the later.

[JoMar]

Roundabouts for me are the most anxiety provoking thing about TV.
I only come down for a short time so I think it’s a combo of lack of practice and also unfamiliarity with directions so difficult to position myself in proper lane to enter.
I review the rules when I’m here but I still dislike them.
I suppose it’s like someone traveling a familiar road behind someone who is in unfamiliar territory and looking for the right street. Infuriating for the former and panic provoking for the later.

If you find yourself positioned in the wrong lane then just go straight, get in the left lane and make a U-turn at the next roundabout (go all the way around). Since you know you missed your turn you should be able to position yourself properly coming back. It's no different than being in the wrong lane at a 4 way intersection except that it's easier to correct the missed turn. A number of States are installing roundabouts to facilitate traffic flow, Pennsylvania is one of them.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There's a 2-lane roundabout in a shopping plaza near where I work. No one - and I mean absolutely positively no one - uses the inside lane, ever. Everyone treats it like a 4-way stop sign. You stop, make sure no one is coming around from your left, and then enter the circle go around until you get to the road you want to continue on, and take your right (because no matter where you entered, the end result is - you're taking a RIGHT out of the circle, not a left). Easy peasy.

I realize that's not how it's done at the villages. But however it's supposed to be done at the villages clearly isn't working, because if it were, you wouldn't have so many threads with so many hundreds of posts about how everyone is doing it wrong and how they see accidents daily/weekly etc.

We have stop signs where I live, and if we have a fender-bender during a bad ice storm, it's news.

[manaboutown]

Senior drivers with little or no experience transiting roundabouts may cause accidents. I doubt many senior European drivers who are accustomed to negotiating roundabouts experience any difficulty other than dealing with other senior drivers with little or no roundabout driving experience.

[Polar Bear]

...however it's supposed to be done at the villages clearly isn't working, because if it were, you wouldn't have so many threads with so many hundreds of posts about how everyone is doing it wrong and how they see accidents daily/weekly etc...
Couldn't be more wrong. Online forums are full of complainers, and ToTV is no different. Roundabouts in TV work just fine. Perfect? Of course not. But they function very efficiently overall.
...We have stop signs where I live, and if we have a fender-bender during a bad ice storm, it's news.
If you want to replace all the roundabout threads with even worse stop sign threads, you're hinting at the perfect solution. Stop signs (or traffic signals) would lower efficiency and capacity dramatically.

[Topspinmo]

Jaz, Ever ask yourself why there are multi-lane roundabout? They flow more traffic. I assume you look at the rules or instructions how to negotiate multi lane roundabout in you’re state? Just like when you come down here you have of follow the rules in this state which is clearly posted before you enter roundabout with direction arrows and regulations written down. Some get confused with general directional flow signs long before actual lanes flow signs before the roundabouts. If multi lanes intersect there will be specific directional flow signs just before the roundabout. If single lanes intersect there will probably be general directional flow sign sometimes. I don’t agree with the general flow sign cause they just confuse most drivers and tend to over look the actual flow signs just before the roundabout.

[graciegirl]

There's a 2-lane roundabout in a shopping plaza near where I work. No one - and I mean absolutely positively no one - uses the inside lane, ever. Everyone treats it like a 4-way stop sign. You stop, make sure no one is coming around from your left, and then enter the circle go around until you get to the road you want to continue on, and take your right (because no matter where you entered, the end result is - you're taking a RIGHT out of the circle, not a left). Easy peasy.

I realize that's not how it's done at the villages. But however it's supposed to be done at the villages clearly isn't working, because if it were, you wouldn't have so many threads with so many hundreds of posts about how everyone is doing it wrong and how they see accidents daily/weekly etc.

We have stop signs where I live, and if we have a fender-bender during a bad ice storm, it's news.


I remember ice. We don't have it here. I like roundabouts, but they seem difficult for newbies.

Connecticut vs. The Villages. I choose The Villages.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I spend countless seconds each day courteously waiting for cars to continue north on Buena Vista as they pass through the roundabout at Springdale/Piedmont only to have them turn into Springdale without signaling their intentions. This often evokes a subvocal pottymouth utterance, but I do manage to refrain from the hand gesture.

[Bogie Shooter]

Want to read more roundabout posts? Here are three threads with 350 posts. Caution, lot of very similar posts. Only so many ways to say the same thing.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-navigate-roundabouts-155158/?highlight=roundabout

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/traffic-circles-269740/?highlight=roundabout

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/roundabout-claims-another-242899/?highlight=roundabout

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

In the almost 6 years that I have lived here, I have not heard of 20 accidents in our roundabouts and there were no serious injuries in any of them. Compare that with the number of auto accidents at cross streets like 466 and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd., or 466A and Buena Vista or Morse Blvd. What about 466 and Rolling Acres? And how many of those have had bodily injuries or deaths?

The primary reason that roundabouts are safe is that all vehicles approaching a roundabout have to slow down. At these slower speeds, it is easier to avoid an accident when another driver doesn’t follow the proper procedures for negotiating the roundabout. I have seen many close calls and angry drivers when someone is not following proper procedures. However, close calls and angry drivers are better than accidents and injuries.

Roundabouts are easy as long as you stay in your lane, keep your speed at 20 MPH, use your turn signals whenever you exit, and NEVER change your lane in a roundabout. Since the snowbirds have returned, it is wise to give youself a little extra time to get to your destination. Be safe out there.

I agree 100%. I've really only seen two accidents at roundabouts in seven years that I've been driving here.

If drivers have trouble negotiating anything such as roundabouts, intersections and lane changes, the problem is with the driver, not in infrastructure.

[JoMar]

There's a 2-lane roundabout in a shopping plaza near where I work. No one - and I mean absolutely positively no one - uses the inside lane, ever. Everyone treats it like a 4-way stop sign. You stop, make sure no one is coming around from your left, and then enter the circle go around until you get to the road you want to continue on, and take your right (because no matter where you entered, the end result is - you're taking a RIGHT out of the circle, not a left). Easy peasy.

I realize that's not how it's done at the villages. But however it's supposed to be done at the villages clearly isn't working, because if it were, you wouldn't have so many threads with so many hundreds of posts about how everyone is doing it wrong and how they see accidents daily/weekly etc.

We have stop signs where I live, and if we have a fender-bender during a bad ice storm, it's news.

Most of our issues are with those that are here part time.....Goldwingnut did a drone shot some months back and the flow worked. I understand those that have limited experience have trouble but suspect they get better at it the longer they are here. As many of us have learned, just expect the unexpected. Also, you don't need to stop before entering, the law says Yield, not stop. Again, I understand the fear, and experience helps overcome that.

[capecoralbill]

Originally Posted by capecoralbill View Post
Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?
yes - ref column 1, paragraph 1, sentence one. "YIELD to all traffic in the roundabout".
ref paragraph 3,sentence 1, "DO NOT ENTER next to a vehicle in the roundabout".
:boom:

That makes me wonder why some roundabouts have two lanes. Are you allowed to change lanes once inside a roundabout?

[ColdNoMore]

From Florida Department Of Transportation.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hpmdAkqaGA

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by capecoralbill View Post
Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?


That makes me wonder why some roundabouts have two lanes. Are you allowed to change lanes once inside a roundabout?

You should read the attachment from post#13 and you won't have to wonder anymore.

:boom:

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by capecoralbill View Post
Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?


That makes me wonder why some roundabouts have two lanes. Are you allowed to change lanes once inside a roundabout?

Yes you can change lanes where there are dotted lines, same as any other road.

[Polar Bear]

...Are you saying that BOTH lanes of the roundabout need to be clear before I can enter the roundabout ?

That makes me wonder why some roundabouts have two lanes...
Picture this Morse or Buena Vista...there is a heavy traffic flow of north-south traffic. But there is zero traffic on the intersecting east-west street. If there were only one lane in the roundabout, then the capacity of Morse and Buena Vista would be effectively limited to a single lane at the roundabout, while two lanes of heavy traffic approach it. Not desirable.

[capecoralbill]

OK, I just read post#13. I think 'our' roundabouts are too small to make using blinkers effective. Here's another problem, if you are headed East on El Camino Real then take Morse Blvd Eastbound at the Morse roundabout toward 441 the rules say You must be in the left-hand Lane for the third exit . however I want to make a right hand turn onto 441 from Morse, But then the cars coming off of Morse, and Paige Place won't let me into the right hand lane. Therefore, I stay in the right hand lane the entire roundabout.

[bagboy]

OK, I just read post#13. I think 'our' roundabouts are too small to make using blinkers effective. Here's another problem, if you are headed East on El Camino Real then take Morse Blvd Eastbound at the Morse roundabout toward 441 the rules say You must be in the left-hand Lane for the third exit . however I want to make a right hand turn onto 441 from Morse, But then the cars coming off of Morse, and Paige Place won't let me into the right hand lane. Therefore, I stay in the right hand lane the entire roundabout.

If you want to go south on 441 in this area you can turn onto Buenos Aires and then right on 441 at the light. Or, you can turn onto Banderos then right on 441.

[Topspinmo]

OK, I just read post#13. I think 'our' roundabouts are too small to make using blinkers effective. Here's another problem, if you are headed East on El Camino Real then take Morse Blvd Eastbound at the Morse roundabout toward 441 the rules say You must be in the left-hand Lane for the third exit . however I want to make a right hand turn onto 441 from Morse, But then the cars coming off of Morse, and Paige Place won't let me into the right hand lane. Therefore, I stay in the right hand lane the entire roundabout.

Make use of blinkers! Most don’t use blinkers, if the would it would be much easier to figure out where they intend to go.

If you’re in the roundabout you have the right of way reguardless of which lane you’re In, no one should be beside you if they follow the rules. Cars entering roundabout have to yeild to both lanes in the roundabout.

The problem most entering the right lane don’t yeild to traffic in the roundabout causing the left lane traffic to stop or slow down and clog the round about from the illegal entries not yielding. Most think just cause no cars are in the right lane of roundabout the can creep around the corner to nest exit or second exit which causes the Hugh problem.

Another problem if you’re in the left lane going to 3rd exit, then have to turn right after the roundabout, you have to get in the right lane. ANother reason why traffic has to yeild to all traffic in roundabout.

[kappy]

You should NEVER change lanes in a roundabout. If you are exiting at the third exit onto a two lane village entrance, you MUST remain in the left lane and enter in the visitors entrance.

[VApeople]

Therefore, I stay in the right hand lane the entire roundabout.

It is fine with us if you do that.

When you do that, please drive slowly so we can tell what you are doing. Under normal conditions, we do not expect a car to drive in the right lane for the entire roundabout. However, any decent driver with common sense will let you do that. They will not hit you.

[coffeebean]

You should NEVER change lanes in a roundabout. If you are exiting at the third exit onto a two lane village entrance, you MUST remain in the left lane and enter in the visitors entrance.

If this is the rule, why are the lanes marked with broken lines? I always change lanes as I exit the RAB to position myself to go through the resident's entry. Before I change lanes, I always check to see if I can safely change lanes and make sure there are no other cars near me.

I don't want to go through the visitors entrance. Visitors have a habit of needing to speak to the gate attendant. I want to go through the resident's entrance because I'm a resident.

[xkeowner]

You should NEVER change lanes in a roundabout. If you are exiting at the third exit onto a two lane village entrance, you MUST remain in the left lane and enter in the visitors entrance.

BS!!!! I have driven round-a-bouts for 45 years rarely transit one without changing lanes. I have never had an accident in a round-a-bout but am especially cautious here in The Villages because most villagers don't have clue about how to navigate them and the local guidance differs from that provided to drivers in the rest of the world.

A contributing factor to the confusion is the lane markings are not standard within The Villages or even within the Sumter County portion of The Villages.

[Mikeod]

BS!!!! I have driven round-a-bouts for 45 years rarely transit one without changing lanes. I have never had an accident in a round-a-bout but am especially cautious here in The Villages because most villagers don't have clue about how to navigate them and the local guidance differs from that provided to drivers in the rest of the world.

A contributing factor to the confusion is the lane markings are not standard within The Villages or even within the Sumter County portion of The Villages.
And this is why we have problems. People come here and will not adjust to the rules in place for navigating the roundabouts. The signs are clear as to which lane can go where. But people just “know” how it was done elsewhere ignore the local rules and cause problems. Also, in other areas, it is permissible to enter an empty lane beside a car already in a multi lane roundabout. Not here. Yet, those that “know” how it was done elsewhere create problems here because they don’t know the rules or choose to ignore them.

As to the lane markings. It’s best to remember the rules on lane use from the sign before entering the roundabout and keep in the proper lane to your exit. That’s because the lane markings would have to be different depending on where you entered and where you are exiting.

[rustyp]

77848
The purpose of the dotted lines are for entry into a multi lane roundabout. Observe as you enter you will not have to cross a solid line to get into whichever lane you have chosen. Any literature you read will most certainly proclaim never change lanes in a roundabout.


If this is the rule, why are the lanes marked with broken lines? I always change lanes as I exit the RAB to position myself to go through the resident's entry. Before I change lanes, I always check to see if I can safely change lanes and make sure there are no other cars near me.

I don't want to go through the visitors entrance. Visitors have a habit of needing to speak to the gate attendant. I want to go through the resident's entrance because I'm a resident.

[coffeebean]

77848
The purpose of the dotted lines are for entry into a multi lane roundabout.

If the dotted lines are for entering the RAB, why can't an exit be navigated too while crossing those dotted lines? I never change lanes in a RAB while circulating the RAB. I do follow the rule for that. However, when I circulate in the inside lane to make a "left turn", as I'm exiting, if there are no cars in site, I change lanes as I exit. As I have already said, I go through the resident gate and do not ever intend to go through a visitor gate.

[rustyp]

If the dotted lines are for entering the RAB, why can't an exit be navigated too while crossing those dotted lines? I never change lanes in a RAB while circulating the RAB. I do follow the rule for that. However, when I circulate in the inside lane to make a "left turn", as I'm exiting, if there are no cars in site, I change lanes as I exit. As I have already said, I go through the resident gate and do not ever intend to go through a visitor gate.

Do what you want and you have a good point about the gates. On the other hand they are unique to TV. RAB are all over the world. Not changing lanes in the RAB is the law.

[Polar Bear]

Do what you want and you have a good point about the gates. On the other hand they are unique to TV. RAB are all over the world. Not changing lanes in the RAB is the law.
But I don't think what coffeebean describes is a lane change. It's simply exiting the roundabout...at a dashed line...and performing a legal lane change over that dashed line.

[twoplanekid]

Do what you want and you have a good point about the gates. On the other hand they are unique to TV. RAB are all over the world. Not changing lanes in the RAB is the law.

I do this many times to enter the Hillsborough gate and it's legal to change lanes in this roundabout - follow the red line-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/tkn4c221b8scvtd/Change%20lanes.png?dl=0)

[rustyp]

[/U]

I do this many times to enter the Hillsborough gate and it's legal to change lanes in this roundabout - follow the red line-
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/tkn4c221b8scvtd/Change%20lanes.png?dl=0)

Attached again is the guide to navigating Sumter County roundabouts published by the Sumter County Board Of Commissioners. Clearly in Column 1 Paragraph 3 third bullet in red print says "do not change lanes in a roundabout". Not all laws on the books make sense.

[twoplanekid]

Attached again is the guide to navigating Sumter County roundabouts published by the Sumter County Board Of Commissioners. Clearly in Column 1 Paragraph 3 third bullet in red print says "do not change lanes in a roundabout". Not all laws on the books make sense.

And that is not a law but only a suggestion as pointed out to me by a Sumter County engineer when I inquired into the markings of this roundabout.

[rustyp]

And that is not a law but only a suggestion as pointed out to me by a Sumter County engineer when I inquired into the markings of this roundabout.

Happy trails to you. Thanks for the feedback. Please forward your Engineer's response to the Sumter County Commissioners so they will consider changing their pamphlet at the next revision. My "suggestion" would be change the bold solid red statement "Do Not Change Lanes in the Roundabout" to user friendly dotted yellow print/font.

[Two Bills]

If the dotted lines are for entering the RAB, why can't an exit be navigated too while crossing those dotted lines? I never change lanes in a RAB while circulating the RAB. I do follow the rule for that. However, when I circulate in the inside lane to make a "left turn", as I'm exiting, if there are no cars in site, I change lanes as I exit. As I have already said, I go through the resident gate and do not ever intend to go through a visitor gate.

What is so bad about the visitors gate?
The queue is usually shorter, and your card still works there.
Or.
Are you a "Resident" snob?

[ColdNoMore]

And that is not a law but only a suggestion as pointed out to me by a Sumter County engineer when I inquired into the markings of this roundabout.

Speaking of which, I have yet to find a single actual Florida statute/law...that applies specifically to roundabouts.

Lots of "Guidelines & Informational Guides"...but NO actual statutes.

Leading one to believe, that from a legal standpoint (in the roundabout itself)...they are a kind of 'anything-is-legal-land.'

Anyone out there, that can link to actual Florida statutes and/or laws...applying to roundabouts??

Thanks. :ho:

[ColdNoMore]

Speaking of which, I have yet to find a single actual Florida statute/law...that applies specifically to roundabouts.

Lots of "Guidelines & Informational Guides"...but NO actual statutes.

Leading one to believe, that from a legal standpoint (in the roundabout itself)...they are a kind of 'anything-is-legal-land.'

Anyone out there, that can link to actual Florida statutes and/or laws...applying to roundabouts??

Thanks. :ho:

According to this...

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:->2018->Chapter 316
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/0316ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2018&Title=%2D%3E2018%2D%3EChapter%20316)


This is about as close to a statute regarding roundabouts...that I can see.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.088.html)

316.088 One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.—
(1) The Department of Transportation and local authorities, with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions, may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway, or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one direction at such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.
(2) Upon a roadway so designated for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated at such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices.
(3) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

[coffeebean]

but i don't think what coffeebean describes is a lane change. It's simply exiting the roundabout...at a dashed line...and performing a legal lane change over that dashed line.

Yup!

[coffeebean]

What is so bad about the visitors gate?
The queue is usually shorter, and your card still works there.
Or.
Are you a "Resident" snob?

I don't like to wait for visitors to receive directions from the gate attendant. Gates that don't have an attendant have folks seemingly baffled as to what to do sometimes as they get to the gate. I just don't want to be delayed going through the gate if possible. Yes, I guess I am a resident snob. Sorry.

[Topspinmo]

According to this...

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:->2018->Chapter 316
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/0316ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2018&Title=%2D%3E2018%2D%3EChapter%20316)


This is about as close to a statute regarding roundabouts...that I can see.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.088.html)

Go to 3rd exit in the right lane and hit the vehicle in the left lane and see who gets the ticket? Pull out in the right lane when traffic in the roundabout cause there no traffic in the right lane and hit the car in the left lane exiting and see who gets the ticket? The signs and guidelines aren’t just suggestions. When accident occurs something has to be at fault

[JoMar]

I don't like to wait for visitors to receive directions from the gate attendant. Gates that don't have an attendant have folks seemingly baffled as to what to do sometimes as they get to the gate. I just don't want to be delayed going through the gate if possible. Yes, I guess I am a resident snob. Sorry.

If you are a resident what are you doing in the visitor lane?

[Bogie Shooter]

If you are a resident what are you doing in the visitor lane?

I am a resident and use that lane many times. Why not?

[ColdNoMore]

Go to 3rd exit in the right lane and hit the vehicle in the left lane and see who gets the ticket? Pull out in the right lane when traffic in the roundabout cause there no traffic in the right lane and hit the car in the left lane exiting and see who gets the ticket? The signs and guidelines aren’t just suggestions. When accident occurs something has to be at fault

Link to some type of legitimate proof...of your opinion? :ho:

[John_W]

Go to 3rd exit in the right lane and hit the vehicle in the left lane and see who gets the ticket? Pull out in the right lane when traffic in the roundabout cause there no traffic in the right lane and hit the car in the left lane exiting and see who gets the ticket? The signs and guidelines aren’t just suggestions. When accident occurs something has to be at fault

Link to some type of legitimate proof...of your opinion?

Guide to using roundabout in Sumter County Florida.

https://www.districtgov.org/community/Roundabout-02-08-12.pdf

Choose your lane:

Approaching a two lane roundabout, make a lane choice
according to the following rules:
• If you intend to exit the roundabout more than halfway
around, use the LEFT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to exit the roundabout less than halfway
around, use the RIGHT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to continue straight through, use either
lane unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

If I were the cop working a roundabout accident, I think the outside lane driver going to the third exit would get an "Improper Lane Usage" ticket.

[ColdNoMore]

Guide to using roundabout in Sumter County Florida.

https://www.districtgov.org/community/Roundabout-02-08-12.pdf

Choose your lane:

Approaching a two lane roundabout, make a lane choice
according to the following rules:
• If you intend to exit the roundabout more than halfway
around, use the LEFT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to exit the roundabout less than halfway
around, use the RIGHT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to continue straight through, use either
lane unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

If I were the cop working a roundabout accident, I think the outside lane driver going to the third exit would get an "Improper Lane Usage" ticket.



Please reread posts #51 & #52. :ho:

[Topspinmo]

Guide to using roundabout in Sumter County Florida.

https://www.districtgov.org/community/Roundabout-02-08-12.pdf

Choose your lane:

Approaching a two lane roundabout, make a lane choice
according to the following rules:
• If you intend to exit the roundabout more than halfway
around, use the LEFT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to exit the roundabout less than halfway
around, use the RIGHT-HAND lane.
• If you intend to continue straight through, use either
lane unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.

If I were the cop working a roundabout accident, I think the outside lane driver going to the third exit would get an "Improper Lane Usage" ticket.


Improper lane and not yielding. Fact, know two people who got tickets. One even got hit in the left rear quarter panel in van and she still got the ticket even though she was ahead of car in left lane exiting right.

[Bogie Shooter]

Please reread posts #51 & #52. :ho:

Any others?

[Two Bills]

BS!!!! I have driven round-a-bouts for 45 years rarely transit one without changing lanes. I have never had an accident in a round-a-bout but am especially cautious here in The Villages because most villagers don't have clue about how to navigate them and the local guidance differs from that provided to drivers in the rest of the world.

A contributing factor to the confusion is the lane markings are not standard within The Villages or even within the Sumter County portion of The Villages.

So you have been transiting roundabouts wrong for 45years without an accident.
Just shows how good the other drivers must have been in avoiding you!

[charmed59]

Just saw a Roundabout accident on Buena Vista at Rainey. It looked to me like someone was going northbound on Buena Vista and was attempting to get to Rainey from the right lane, while someone on the inside was going straight. The inside car got pushed into the north side median. The other car was getting cited.

[Bogie Shooter]

Just saw a Roundabout accident on Buena Vista at Rainey. It looked to me like someone was going northbound on Buena Vista and was attempting to get to Rainey from the right lane, while someone on the inside was going straight. The inside car got pushed into the north side median. The other car was getting cited.
Oh that was the person who posted on here they always us the right lane for wherever they are going.....makes sense eh?
(just my contribution for this thread to get to 100 posts)

[rustyp]

I have an idea to put value into this thread. Pick which side of the fence your leaning on and categorize the opinions from various members posting on this thread. Pick the opposite side of your belief of how to navigate properly a roundabout. Then plan your roundabout trips to when the status icon identifies those members as on line - green light. If you see me in a roundabout please give a friendly wave (use all five fingers). I'll be the auto with the hockey sticks duct taped horizontally to all four fenders.

[ColdNoMore]

Just saw a Roundabout accident on Buena Vista at Rainey. It looked to me like someone was going northbound on Buena Vista and was attempting to get to Rainey from the right lane, while someone on the inside was going straight. The inside car got pushed into the north side median. The other car was getting cited.

Is this photo (and the very crude drawings :D)...what you think occurred?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That kind of thing is my #1 concern, but more with regards to the exit onto Buena Vista SOUTH (assuming the top of the photo is north and the bottom is south).

If Car A came in on Buena Vista from the inside lane, heading through to the southbound side of the roundabout, which he has the right to do.
And Car B came in from 472 and for whatever reason, is now about to make a complete turnaround, heading the other way on 472, and therefore has to go ALL the way around the circle - and obviously that means he has to cross those dotted lines to get to the inside lane because if he stays in the right lane, he would be required to go north on Buena Vista, and wouldn't be able to complete his turn.

Both cars have just entered from their perspective sides. But perhaps there's a car in front of Car A, so he is going a little slower, and car B gets onto the roundabout RIGHT when car B finally starts speeding up. Then BOOM. Accident at the southbound lane, because according to those arrows, each of them has the right to be where they are.

Obviously this kind of thing (similar, not necessarily the exact same thing) happens - because if it didn't, there wouldn't be so many pages on so many threads about it. There wouldn't be article after article over the years about fender-benders (and worse) on these roundabouts.

Regardless of "who is doing it wrong" the fact remains: these roundabouts are NOT clear and simple and effortless. Stop signs and street lights are clear: red means stop, green means go, yellow means slow and prepare to stop. Roundabout means go this way, unless you want to go that way, and get in this lane, unless you need to get in that lane, and never enter from this thing, and don't cross over that thing, but none of this matters if you're on THOSE two roundabouts because they're different.

This is WHY there are pages upon pages on threads upon threads and articles upon articles about the problems. Because it is NOT clear. It is not effortless. It is not simple. And you're dealing with a whole lot of people in death machines who ALL think they're doing it right.

[Topspinmo]

Is this photo (and the very crude drawings :D)...what you think occurred?


Simple, the right lane has to yield and if they entered the roundabout correctly never would of been beside and to rear door the left lane vehicle

[Topspinmo]

That kind of thing is my #1 concern, but more with regards to the exit onto Buena Vista SOUTH (assuming the top of the photo is north and the bottom is south).

If Car A came in on Buena Vista from the inside lane, heading through to the southbound side of the roundabout, which he has the right to do.
And Car B came in from 472 and for whatever reason, is now about to make a complete turnaround, heading the other way on 472, and therefore has to go ALL the way around the circle - and obviously that means he has to cross those dotted lines to get to the inside lane because if he stays in the right lane, he would be required to go north on Buena Vista, and wouldn't be able to complete his turn.

Both cars have just entered from their perspective sides. But perhaps there's a car in front of Car A, so he is going a little slower, and car B gets onto the roundabout RIGHT when car B finally starts speeding up. Then BOOM. Accident at the southbound lane, because according to those arrows, each of them has the right to be where they are.

Obviously this kind of thing (similar, not necessarily the exact same thing) happens - because if it didn't, there wouldn't be so many pages on so many threads about it. There wouldn't be article after article over the years about fender-benders (and worse) on these roundabouts.

Regardless of "who is doing it wrong" the fact remains: these roundabouts are NOT clear and simple and effortless. Stop signs and street lights are clear: red means stop, green means go, yellow means slow and prepare to stop. Roundabout means go this way, unless you want to go that way, and get in this lane, unless you need to get in that lane, and never enter from this thing, and don't cross over that thing, but none of this matters if you're on THOSE two roundabouts because they're different.

This is WHY there are pages upon pages on threads upon threads and articles upon articles about the problems. Because it is NOT clear. It is not effortless. It is not simple. And you're dealing with a whole lot of people in death machines who ALL think they're doing it right.

No, you have to know the meaning of stops sign and legally where to stop especially at 4 way stops and know what yield sign means and how it applies to intersection

[Topspinmo]

Just saw a Roundabout accident on Buena Vista at Rainey. It looked to me like someone was going northbound on Buena Vista and was attempting to get to Rainey from the right lane, while someone on the inside was going straight. The inside car got pushed into the north side median. The other car was getting cited.

I seen that accident and figured that’s what happened. Right lane vehicle probably got the tickets based on the two people I know was in the right lane and hit some on in the left lane of roundabout.

[ColdNoMore]

Simple, the right lane has to yield and if they entered the roundabout correctly never would of been beside and to rear door the left lane vehicle

Sorry...but wrong.

The right lane should have stayed in the right lane, no "yielding" necessary...and should not have turned left over a solid white line.

[Topspinmo]

If you are a resident what are you doing in the visitor lane?

Don’t matter, they are two lanes so the exiting traffic don’t back up in the roundabout. Which happens at some exits with only one gate off BV and I’m sure other streets also

[Mikeod]

It’s amazing to me how some make the roundabouts so complicated. The signs approaching each one in Sumter county accurately depict what each lane can do. Once you enter the roundabout your choices are set by the lane you entered from. Right lane to first exit or straight through. Left lane straight through or continue to third exit or all the way around. That’s all. Lines in the roundabout are basically lane markers rather than traffic control indicators.

I specified Sumter because I’ve seen roundabout signs in Marion county that do not differentiate the two lanes, but just indicate the roads intersecting with a single line around. But they should be negotiated the same way.

[Topspinmo]

Sorry...but wrong.

The right lane should have only went straight, no "yielding" necessary...and should not have turned left over a solid white line.

Ok round circle is not straight, you’re either turning left or right, it I understand if you’re in the circle it’s assumed your going straight. I agree the right lane. Vehicle should of turned right using blinker light cause your exiting the straight circle. If the right vehicle was going straight actually turning left in the circle) and he hit the vehicle in the left lane he’s will most likely 99% of the time get the ticket.

So the left lane can never exit. The left or right lane vehicles should never be beside each other. If traffic in either lane of roundabout the incoming traffic has to yeild, even it there no traffic in the right lane, the right lane vehicle can’t pop out and block the right way of the left lane traffic. If you enter roundabout with vehicle beside you one of you have to yield if the right lane vehicle goes to second exit. the right lane vehicle by roundabout guidelines should never go around to third exit. When I enter round about I never allow vehicle to be beside me, I speed up or slow down, use my blinker light to let people around me know which way I’m going. It really don’t matter what type of street you’re on there always going to be somebody doing something wrong or breaking laws. Roundabout no different.

[twoplanekid]

It’s amazing to me how some make the roundabouts so complicated. The signs approaching each one in Sumter county accurately depict what each lane can do. Once you enter the roundabout your choices are set by the lane you entered from. Right lane to first exit or straight through. Left lane straight through or continue to third exit or all the way around. That’s all. Lines in the roundabout are basically lane markers rather than traffic control indicators.

I specified Sumter because I’ve seen roundabout signs in Marion county that do not differentiate the two lanes, but just indicate the roads intersecting with a single line around. But they should be negotiated the same way.

How about this situation heading east on 44A where the arrow says I can go straight then changes to only left (follow red line) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/pwo9try12uiji6n/BuenaVista44A.png?dl=0) - usually the left lane can continue straight

[Matzy]

It's an endless topic I believe. Roundabouts are as safe as the drivers know what to do. DISZIPLIN is the word behind. I was in Australia recently and came through more roundabout I could imagine. No problem at all even they driving opposite to us (which was a little problem for me at the beginning). Amazing was and is their driver's discipline. Honking? For what? Never I heard one, even when the traffic was slowing down because of very slow reacting drivers.
Their motto is just simple: I am using the same street, so everybody have the same right. I can't add anything to that.

[Mikeod]

How about this situation heading east on 44A where the arrow says I can go straight then changes to only left (follow red line) (https://www.dropbox.com/s/pwo9try12uiji6n/BuenaVista44A.png?dl=0) - usually the left lane can continue straight
That only happens where a two lane roundabout connects to a single lane road. In your example, they designated the outside lane to enter the single lane exit and the inner lane to continue around. In other places, the inner lane exits to the single lane road while the outer lane doesn’t. Two examples are the Canal-Stillwater and the Morse-Mariposa Way roundabouts.

[twoplanekid]

That only happens where a two lane roundabout connects to a single lane road. In your example, they designated the outside lane to enter the single lane exit and the inner lane to continue around. In other places, the inner lane exits to the single lane road while the outer lane doesn’t. Two examples are the Canal-Stillwater and the Morse-Mariposa Way roundabouts.

However, they should not have the arrow in the inner lane pointing straight. It should indicate a left turn only!

A change of pace. Zoom into this cars and people roundabout in China. Look at the one bus. :shocked:You can zoom and then zoom some more into this 195 gigapixel picture (http://sh-meet.bigpixel.cn/?from=groupmessage&isappinstalled=0)

[papasetti82]

Just saw a Roundabout accident on Buena Vista at Rainey. It looked to me like someone was going northbound on Buena Vista and was attempting to get to Rainey from the right lane, while someone on the inside was going straight. The inside car got pushed into the north side median. The other car was getting cited.
I always try to use the right lane (outside lane)if I'm going straight thru.Too many times I've seen cars turning left from the right lane.

[BobnBev]

Maybe I just don't understand the "jargon". Travel in a roundabout is always in a counter-clockwise direction. Enter into the right lane, exit from the right lane. How can you make a left turn in a roundabout without facing oncoming traffic?. I think the confusing term here is "left turn".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Maybe I just don't understand the "jargon". Travel in a roundabout is always in a counter-clockwise direction. Enter into the right lane, exit from the right lane. How can you make a left turn in a roundabout without facing oncoming traffic?. I think the confusing term here is "left turn".

Yes, it is. If you are coming "into" the circle from the south, and want to get out of the circle to the west, then you are "taking a left turn." Even though - once you get to that exit, you are now physically, literally, and definitely turning RIGHT out of the circle.

This is also why so many people get tripped up using the inside lane. Because once you get to the lane you want to exit out of, you will want to take a RIGHT. But in the United States, the LEFT lane is for passing, through traffic, or for taking a LEFT.

Even if you are going from north to south, you still will be entering and exiting that circle, and entering will be a "right" turn, and exiting will be a "right" turn. That's how circles work. You go counter-clockwise and turn right to stop moving counter-clockwise. If you don't turn right, you will just keep going around the circle, endlessly.

You're supposed to pretend it's a 4-way intersection. Except, at actual 4-way intersections, there are either stop signs or traffic lights.