Do you use your blinker in the roundabouts?

[brostholder]

I always try to use my blinker in the roundabouts. When approaching the roundabout if I am going to go right, I put my right blinker on. Going straight, no blinker, and if going left, I get in the left lane and put my left blinker on, but after I pass half-way I put my right blinker on. But I don't believe I have ever seen anyone else using their directionals in the roundabouts.

[BogeyBoy]

I try to use mine when I am exiting the roundabout - let's someone waiting to enter know I won't be coming around and broadside them as they enter.

[missypie]

I try to use mine when I am exiting the roundabout - let's someone waiting to enter know I won't be coming around and broadside them as they enter.

I do too probably 75% of the time. It just lets people know what you are doing incase they want to know.

[red tail]

since all turns in a roundabout are right turns why use a signal.

[paulandjean]

But to change lanes,going to your left are you not suppose to use your blinker. We where taught,changing lanes "always use your blinker".

[red tail]

if youre going left then you should be in the proper lane that goes left which is still a right turn

[Yorio]

If I am exiting from the main road, I will put on a blinker to let the people behind that I am not going straight but turning right. If I am on the left lane and exiting the second exit, I don't give blinker signal as I have right of way to turn right if I wanted to. There should be no cars coming from the right lane. I also like golf cart people giving good old hand signs as they are turning left in addition to turn signals. This is an added assurance for me.

[njbchbum]

I always try to use my blinker in the roundabouts. When approaching the roundabout if I am going to go right, I put my right blinker on. Going straight, no blinker, and if going left, I get in the left lane and put my left blinker on, but after I pass half-way I put my right blinker on. But I don't believe I have ever seen anyone else using their directionals in the roundabouts.

i use my blinker in the same way - am scared to death NOT to - still find that some vehicles don't give a dang about the blinker hint - many seem to be of the attitude that if they want the space and get there first, it's theirs!

[Ooper]

Firstly, you should be in the proper lane upon entering the circle. You are not supposed to change lanes once in the circle... period. But, it doesn't hurt to use them...

[islandgal]

Shoulda Woulda Coulda...
with some of the roundabout buddies I have encountered in the 5 years I have lived here,
I use my blinkers regardless.... when approaching, in, or leaving a roundabout.:censored:
Better safe than sorry.

[memason]

Anyone seen the new 3 lane roundabout south of 466A? :loco:

[Bobcuse]

Firstly, you should be in the proper lane upon entering the circle. You are not supposed to change lanes once in the circle... period. But, it doesn't hurt to use them...

If you enter the circle in the left lane, in order to exit the roundabout from the left lane you must cross over the right lane. Otherwise you would still be on the roundabout as we speak.

[red tail]

WRONG... enter left lane takes you to going straight or going left, both of which is a right turn.

[quirky3]

Anyone seen the new 3 lane roundabout south of 466A? :loco:

:22yikes::22yikes::22yikes:

[quirky3]

If you enter the circle in the left lane, in order to exit the roundabout from the left lane you must cross over the right lane. Otherwise you would still be on the roundabout as we speak.

When you have a chance, please look up the "roundabout rules". I was so surprised the first time I realized that if you are exiting on the 3rd right turn, you enter and exit from the left hand lane.

[Ooper]

WRONG... enter left lane takes you to going straight or going left, both of which is a right turn.

I agree... you are exiting the circle, not changing lanes!

[Barefoot]

WRONG... enter left lane takes you to going straight or going left, both of which is a right turn.

When you have a chance, please look up the "roundabout rules". I was so surprised the first time I realized that if you are exiting on the 3rd right turn, you enter and exit from the left hand lane.

I agree... you are exiting the circle, not changing lanes!

The only thing that is clear to me, is that even if you memorize the roundabout rules, there are many people who will think (and drive) differently. IMHO, the safest thing to do is to drive slowly, avoid being close to other vehicles, and carefully watch what others are doing. This will no doubt irritate the speed demons, but it will keep you safe.

[RichieB]

I use my blinkers regardless.... when approaching, in, or leaving a roundabout.:censored:
Better safe than sorry.

I agree with that, for sure. What harm is there in signalling ? It lets other drivers around you know what you intend to do.

[manaboutown]

I learned to drive roundabouts years ago in the South of France. When I first encountered the roundabouts in TV they felt familiar, practical and comfortable to me. However, I soon realized many drivers using them were either unfamiliar with roundabout protocol or uncomfortable driving them. I now use turn signals if and when traffic indicates their use might make make my intentions clearer to other drivers and therefore the situation safer.

[ajbrown]

I always try to use my blinker in the roundabouts. When approaching the roundabout if I am going to go right, I put my right blinker on. Going straight, no blinker, and if going left, I get in the left lane and put my left blinker on, but after I pass half-way I put my right blinker on. But I don't believe I have ever seen anyone else using their directionals in the roundabouts.

Makes sense to me... I do my best to follow that exact procedure.

One other trick for you folks feeling nervous. From the time you enter the round-about to the time you exit lay on your horn, this should make it safer :laugh:

And another trick.... NEVER pull out in front a driver with their right blinker on in TV, it may have been on since yesterday.....

How bored am I to comment on a round-about link? When the heck is my tee time anyway :evil6:

[paulandjean]

wrong, if you enter on the left,to leave you must cross over to the right and cross one lane. crossing a lane you need a turn signal. No one should not use their blinkers.

[memason]

wrong, if you enter on the left,to leave you must cross over to the right and cross one lane. crossing a lane you need a turn signal. No one should not use their blinkers.

Absolutely WRONG!

[Dirigo]

I try to use mine when I am exiting the roundabout - let's someone waiting to enter know I won't be coming around and broadside them as they enter.

If one drives defensively one has no trust that blinker is any assurance of the other cars eventual path. :icon_wink

[cappyjon431]

wrong, if you enter on the left,to leave you must cross over to the right and cross one lane. crossing a lane you need a turn signal. No one should not use their blinkers.

It is my understanding that if you enter a roundabout from the left lane you have two options:

1. Proceed to the second exit (which essentially means you are going straight) and then exit into the left hand lane of that exit.

or

2. Proceed to the third exit (which essentially means you are making a left turn) and then you also exit into the left hand lane of that exit.

You should enter the roundabout from the right hand lane if you want to take the first exit (a right turn).

It's not rocket science but of course it never hurts to be a little cautious near the roundabouts because they seem to freak so many people out.

[skyguy79]

Anyone seen the new 3 lane roundabout south of 466A? :loco:Can you imagine what it would be like once we get a few of these in TV? http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/fear/t3608.gif

http://youtu.be/k0H2URY7BX0

Then try some European roundabouts. Some just might navigate these roundabouts better if they used some LSD before doing so: :1rotfl:

http://youtu.be/xh8L485AJMc

[skyguy79]

It is my understanding that if you enter a roundabout from the left lane you have two options:

1. Proceed to the second exit (which essentially means you are going straight) and then exit into the left hand lane of that exit.

or

2. Proceed to the third exit (which essentially means you are making a left turn) and then you also exit into the left hand lane of that exit.

I'm sure you weren't thinging about this, but you did forgot the 3rd option:

3. Proceed to the forth exit (which essentially means you are making a U-turn) and then you are again exiting into the left hand lane of that exit.

[DENNIS G]

since all turns in a roundabout are right turns why use a signal.

Florida Law, turn signals are required for all turns and lane changes. You can be cited for improper lane change or turn if you don't use them. Most other states are the same. I was a Commercial Professional Driver and have driven in all states including Alaska and all Provindences of Canada. Also, Florida requires headlights on if your wipers are on.

[Indydealmaker]

I agree with that, for sure. What harm is there in signalling ? It lets other drivers around you know what you intend to do.

A right turn signal from the inside lane informs:
1. Someone in the outside lane who is slightly behind you and intending to jump off at the exit after yours.

2. Also informs someone entering the roundabout so that they can begin their entry without waiting. \

Just remember you do not want to start your right turn signal until just before your exit. The key to having time to perform these thought processes is to stay at or below 20 mph.

[red tail]

Florida Law, turn signals are required for all turns and lane changes. You can be cited for improper lane change or turn if you don't use them. Most other states are the same. I was a Commercial Professional Driver and have driven in all states including Alaska and all Provindences of Canada. Also, Florida requires headlights on if your wipers are on.

if i enter the roundabout in the right lane and follow it to first right i am essentially following the curve not actualy turning a corner ! it would be interesting to see if that would result in a ticket.

[cappyjon431]

I'm sure you weren't thinging about this, but you did forgot the 3rd option:

3. Proceed to the forth exit (which essentially means you are making a U-turn) and then you are again exiting into the left hand lane of that exit.

I actually did think about it, but couldn't think of the proper way to word it without being too verbose--you got it perfectly. Thanks!

[rubicon]

Every time this topic comes up the responses clearly establish that many people are just totally confused.

So the simple answer is to use your turn signal to alert drivers behind you of your intent. However it may be of little help to those drivers along side of you and /or those drivers distracted by cell phones their personal thoughts, etc.

[Yorio]

Don't know if it's my second glass of wine but I am totally confused as I try to imagine what I must do at the round about. My mind is going round and round around the round about. It seems like even what I have been doing is right, don't count on it. I may still have an accident. My principle fails compared to what others are planning to do around the the round about.:cus:

[jblum315]

I have never had a problem with the roundabouts. Maybe it's because in Richmond, Va. where I grew up there were a few roundabouts, and the adults driving weren't nervous or uncertain about navigating them. Plus the traffic was much heavier there than it ever is here. I hope my words don't come back and bite me in the a**.

[cappyjon431]

I have never had a problem with the roundabouts. Maybe it's because in Richmond, Va. where I grew up there were a few roundabouts, and the adults driving weren't nervous or uncertain about navigating them. Plus the traffic was much heavier there than it ever is here. I hope my words don't come back and bite me in the a**.

I also grew up with a roundabout close by-- two blocks from my house (in Coral Gables, FL) and when I moved overseas (especially in the Bahamas, where they drive on the WRONG side of the street) I experienced them as well. Now I am very comfortable with them, although I always keep in the back of my mind that others might not feel comfortable with 'em.

[DENNIS G]

if i enter the roundabout in the right lane and follow it to first right i am essentially following the curve not actualy turning a corner ! it would be interesting to see if that would result in a ticket.

That is still considered a right turn and not a curve to the right because the road continues as if it were straight.

[Bobcuse]

When you have a chance, please look up the "roundabout rules". I was so surprised the first time I realized that if you are exiting on the 3rd right turn, you enter and exit from the left hand lane.

I completely understand the roundabout rules which say to enter and exit the 3rd right turn from the inside lane, but staying in that inside lane as you are exiting according to these rules means that it will take you in the path of the outside lane to exit. If someone is in the outside lane (possibly in your blind spot) and is not exiting the roundabout until the next exit, you are in danger of a collision despite the fact that both drivers are "following the rules". Ergo....use your signal and hold your breath. Better yet....never go inside lane for any reason.

[Russ_Boston]

I completely understand the roundabout rules which say to enter and exit the 3rd right turn from the inside lane, but staying in that inside lane as you are exiting according to these rules means that it will take you in the path of the outside lane to exit. If someone is in the outside lane (possibly in your blind spot) and is not exiting the roundabout until the next exit, you are in danger of a collision despite the fact that both drivers are "following the rules". Ergo....use your signal and hold your breath. Better yet....never go inside lane for any reason.

Your reasoning is exactly the cause of most accidents:

1. You say "if someone is in the outside lane (when you want the 3/4 turn)" - There can be no one in the outside lane unless they entered the roundabout when it wasn't clear (i.e. you were there) or they entered with you in the outside lane and didn't exit at the 1/4 or 1/2 turn as they are supposed to.

2. You say "never go inside lane for any reason". - How can you make a 3/4 turn if you don't go inside? If you stay outside you are not supposed to do anything except 1/4 turn or 1/2 turn.

3. You say "even though both drivers are following the rules". - No they are not.

The rules are actually very simple. Please refer to the diagram on the district page. http://www.districtgov.org/PdfView/PdfView.aspx?path=%27/PdfUpload/RoundaboutBrochure%20-%20FINAL070908.pdf%27&ql=standard

The only three options you have are in pictures on the page. You could replace all the pictures with these two rules: If you enter (making sure to yield to traffic already in the circle) in the inside lane you can do anything you want except exit at the first 1/4 right. If you enter in the outside lane you can only do two things: 1/4 right or 1/2 (i.e. straight through).

And to answer the question about blinkers I would say that I do use them if I see others about to enter - but I would never, as a driver, rely on someone's blinker to really signal their intention. I've only been in TV a short while but I think I've seen every error that could be made. I'm very cautious in this things.

[drdodge]

any exit from a roundabout requires a right turn, you cannot make a left turn from a circle. there is no road to the left
drd

[getdul981]

Regarding the original question. I TRY to always us signals whenever I change lanes and exit a roundaboutl. I can't say that I absolutely always do, but I try. As far as that goes, I never trust anyone that is approaching and has a signal on. If I see them turn it on as I'm looking toward them, I'm a little more trusting that they are actually going to turn. There's too many people running around here with their signals lights in a always on mode.

[Mikeod]

any exit from a roundabout requires a right turn, you cannot make a left turn from a circle. there is no road to the left
drd

Quite true, but the concept we are trying to instill is that a roundabout is similar to a regular intersection. You wouldn't make a right turn at an intersection from the left lane, and you wouldn't make a left turn from the right lane. Either lane can continue straight. Most of the problems I have seen at the roundabouts involve someone trying to take the third exit (left turn) while traveling all the way around in the outside lane. Then the person in the left lane who intends to continue straight suddenly has a car right in front of them. Yikes!

[getdul981]

Has anyone ever continued on around the roundabout because there was a car beside you when you wanted to make your turn? Remember Chevy Chase in European Vacation? (Hey Russ, there's Big Ben)

[Yorio]

It seems like the person who is confused as to what to do in the round about is the same person who doesn't read the one way sign in parking areas specifically shown on the road. There is an outside and an inside lane in the round about. The outside lane on the road only shows a straight sign which means you can't go around the round about but has to follow the main road as though it is a straight road. There should not be any cars coming from the right lane at any time as one travels on the inner lane. Developers did not show road signs to the right because it was a given and that there will not be cars coming from the right. In the inner lane there is a turn left sign so technically you can go round and round around the round about until kingdom come.:laugh:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

(....................wait for it.......................) :popcorn:

Bill :wave:

[drdodge]

you say something trying to make a left turn, There are no left turns from a circle only right turns
drd

[RichieB]

In the inner lane there is a turn left sign so technically you can go round and round around the round about until kingdom come.:laugh:

Imagine doing THAT until kingdom come, or you run out of gas, whichever comes first :laugh:

[Pturner]

I always use my blinkers to signal my intent to exit the roundabout. I can count on exactly two fingers the number of other drivers I have seen do this.

There is no need for me to rely on someone else's blinker-- much as I think they always should be used. I stagger so that there is not another car beside me. If I'm in the left lane to take the third exit, I watch who is entering after me. If they enter without staggering, I either slow to let them clear the front side of my car or, if they are toward the rear of my vehicle, increase my speed just enough to ensure that I can clear them when I exit and they can see my blinker turn on if perchance they are paying attention.

I agree with Russ that people who stay in the right lane to take the third exit are the biggest causers of accidents in the roundabouts.

[Ooper]

I agree with Russ that people who stay in the right lane to take the third exit are the biggest causers of accidents in the roundabouts.

:agree:

[Russ_Boston]

you say something trying to make a left turn, There are no left turns from a circle only right turns
drd

Next time you're in a roundabout trying not turning your steering wheel to the left. Let me know how you make out:)

Let's not nit-pik they mean go left in the circle to the next (right) exit not exit left.

[bonrich]

one easy way is to envision the roundabouts and turns is to eliminate the middle of the roundabout. Now you can see the "spokes" and the turns, if you will, right, straight, and left. But always drive defensive, because there are so many that have tunnel vision, never turn their head.......

[robertj1954]

I always try to use my blinker in the roundabouts. When approaching the roundabout if I am going to go right, I put my right blinker on. Going straight, no blinker, and if going left, I get in the left lane and put my left blinker on, but after I pass half-way I put my right blinker on. But I don't believe I have ever seen anyone else using their directionals in the roundabouts.

If you are not using your turn indicator in the roundabouts you are risking an accident caused by an improper lane change. If you are in the inside lane ( even when it allows for you to go right to exit) you risk violating the right of way of the vehicle in the outside lane, if they are proceeding straight. (lots do never assume they will go right). That is why it is always good safe defensive driving to use your turn indicators to alert the other vehicle of your intention. The Village roundabouts are small and you do not have a lot of time to act, but if you develop good habits you can work within the time span available. :)

[BigLew]

its simple, right lane is for 90 degree turn or 180 only
left lane is for 180 and 270 only
you always signal if you change lanes but there is NEVER a reason to change lanes in a roundabout and doing so is usually crossing a solid line.
you MUST ALWAYS signal when you leave a roundabout so the only time you signal entering is when you are in the right lane and will only be going 90 degrees and exiting.

I always find it interesting that when I move into the left lane some people find it necessary to suddenly speed up just because I want to enter the circle in the proper lane, it's probably the same ones who go 20 in a 30,:popcorn: but when you go to pass, speed up to 40, sheesh!

[MrMark]

if youre going left then you should be in the proper lane that goes left which is still a right turn


And if you are going 3/4 around the circle you should actually be making a right turn from the left lane in which case it would be extremely wise to turn on your right turn signal after passing the last entry point before you are turning.