How to Navigate a Roundabout?
3 Answers
When approaching a roundabout within 50-100 meters, reduce speed and observe the traffic conditions at the roundabout. As you get closer to the roundabout, enter it at an appropriate time based on the flow of vehicles inside. All vehicles must travel counterclockwise in a one-way direction when passing through the roundabout. Pay attention to identifying the correct direction and exit while driving. Before exiting the roundabout, turn on the right turn signal and observe the movements of vehicles and pedestrians on the right side.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized the rules for roundabouts: always slow down before entering because high speed can easily lead to loss of control. Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout at the entrance—never force your way in, as that often causes rear-end collisions. Pay attention to road markings and signals, and choose the lane that matches your exit. Don’t forget to use your right turn signal when exiting to communicate your intentions to other drivers. I often encounter roundabouts in the city, and during rush hour, extra caution is needed—accidents often happen due to aggressive lane changes, like a sideswipe I saw last week caused by someone failing to yield. Also, in low-light conditions, turning on your headlights to improve visibility is a good habit. Remember, yielding is the fundamental rule—safety always comes first. Never rush and risk causing trouble just to save time.
After driving for a long time, I feel that roundabouts are a test of patience. Before entering, I always reduce my speed to below 20 km/h, carefully observe the flow of vehicles inside, and make sure there are no cars before entering—never cutting in front of others. Choosing the lane depends on the exit position; for multi-lane roundabouts, the inner lane is more convenient when exiting. Always use the right turn signal when exiting, or drivers behind might misunderstand your intentions. A common mistake beginners make is misjudging the distance between vehicles or forgetting to yield, leading to accidents that aren’t worth the risk. I’ve also noticed that on rainy days, the road is slippery, braking distance increases, so slowing down in advance helps prevent skidding. These rules may seem simple, but following them avoids a lot of trouble—practice makes perfect.
