[downeaster]

A friend who I will call "X" was pulled over by a deputy after exiting the roundabout at Buena Vista and El Camino Real. X was traveling south on Buena Vista in the right lane and entered the roundabout in that lane and continued in that lane for 270 degrees exiting onto El Camino Real. The deputy told X that was a violation of the rules of negotiating a roundabout. A verbal warning was given.

Now here is where it gets scary. X admits to having the brochure on roundabout driving and even understanding it. However, X says it is a "stupid" rule and will continue to drive in the right lane regardless of the exit point.

Not only must we deal with those who are ignorant of the rules but we must also deal with all of those who think the rules are stupid and may be ignored.

X will have a fender bender some day. Fortunately, two vehicles travelling in the same direction at a speed of less than 20 MPH will probably cause no personal injuries. However it will be a moving violation and points will be assessed, fines will be levied, and insurance premiums will go up or a policy may be cancelled.

[tony]

I think you said X was told by a peace officer that the practice is a violation, and X will continue to do it because the rule is stupid?

Is that what you said?

Really?

[Rag Bagger]

That the police would issue more warrnings/tickets for this vilolation. It is such a simple concept but sooo many just don't get it.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by downeaster

However it will be a moving violation and points will be assessed, fines will be levied, and insurance premiums will go up or a policy may be cancelled.

Not for the person on the inside lane who X runs into. Only X would be in violation for using the outside lane to go more than 180 degrees. Correct?

[Xavier]

Originally Posted by Willie

When you consider that many villagers can't see or hear well, Mr. X will cause an accident sooner than later because of this attitude.

Ah, but is it Mr. X or could it be Ms X? All I know for sure is that it isn't this X!

Xavier

[lefty]

Beware there are real idiots among us. In most states when you cross that dotted or solid line you are taking the risk and responsibility for your actions. We have all seen the person that will take the outside lane on the roundabouts and go 270 degrees. I think the person doesn't think anything about the fact they are the ones at fault in the event of an accident because theyt were the ones that changed lanes, not the one that they broadsided that was crossing in front of them. BEWARE they are among us or maybe we are them

[Bogie Shooter]

Wasn't there someone who said in the last thread on this topic that she was going to continue using the right lane?

[2Wheels]

/preachy on

Trust NO ONE in a roundabout.

Never be right next to another vehicle in a roundabout.

Always stagger your position so you have an OUT when needed.

/preachy off

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by 2Wheels

/preachy on

Trust NO ONE in a roundabout.

Never be right next to another vehicle in a roundabout.

Always stagger your position so you have an OUT when needed.

/preachy off

Totally

[dominick]

I saw a classic roundabout incident last week. A guy driving a red sports car, driving like he was prepping for Daytona, passed me like I was standing still, on Buena Vista. He entered a circle doing at least 40mph. Another car, that failed to turn right out of the circle, ran into the sports car, which was turning right from the inside lane. I guess that the second car would be legally at fault, even though he probably never saw the sports car passing him. Maybe they would be both be technically at fault since the posted speed limit for the circles is 20mph, but the sports car driver would probably insist that he was doing only 19mph.
One thing that I find a bit confusing is that the lane dividers are dotted as you go around most of the circles. Doesn't that mean that they can be crossed? Maybe the dividers should be solid, clearly indicating that they may not be crossed.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by dominick

I saw a classic roundabout incident last week. A guy driving a red sports car, driving like he was prepping for Daytona, passed me like I was standing still, on Buena Vista. He entered a circle doing at least 40mph. Another car, that failed to turn right out of the circle, ran into the sports car, which was turning right from the inside lane. I guess that the second car would be legally at fault, even though he probably never saw the sports car passing him. Maybe they would be both be technically at fault since the posted speed limit for the circles is 20mph, but the sports car driver would probably insist that he was doing only 19mph.
One thing that I find a bit confusing is that the lane dividers are dotted as you go around most of the circles. Doesn't that mean that they can be crossed? Maybe the dividers should be solid, clearly indicating that they may not be crossed.

Look at the roundabout as a big circle. There are cars entering at each entrance, so someone is always crossing the line if going 180 degrees.

[Russ_Boston]

Exactly Bogie - It is real simple if you follow the guidelines (or common sense!).

[PR1234]

Originally Posted by 2Wheels

/preachy on

Trust NO ONE in a roundabout.

Never be right next to another vehicle in a roundabout.

Always stagger your position so you have an OUT when needed.

/preachy off

MY thoughts EXACTLY

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by tony

I think you said X was told by a peace officer that the practice is a violation, and X will continue to do it because the rule is stupid?

Is that what you said?

Really?

Yes, that's what I said. BTW, although this is the only friend who has been caught I have another friend who also proclaims it "stupid" and will continue to use the right turn exclusively.

BTW, again, I mentioned the incident to another friend and he stated he was not aware of that rule. I keep a few brochures on hand and he will get one.

Am I the only one living in the midst of clueless people?

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Not for the person on the inside lane who X runs into. Only X would be in violation for using the outside lane to go more than 180 degrees. Correct?

Correct.