How to Use Turn Signals When Entering and Exiting a Roundabout?
4 Answers
When entering and exiting a roundabout, the methods for using turn signals are as follows: 1. When entering the roundabout and merging into the inner lane, use the left turn signal; 2. When entering the roundabout and staying in the outer lane, turn signals may not be necessary, but the right turn signal should be used when exiting the roundabout; 3. When entering the roundabout and needing to turn right, use the right turn signal. The functions of car turn signals include: 1. Alerting pedestrians or other vehicles that the car is about to turn; 2. Indicating the direction for overtaking or lane changing on highways; 3. When flashing simultaneously, indicating that the vehicle is in an emergency situation to alert other vehicles. The method to turn off car turn signals is to manually switch the turn signal lever below the steering wheel to the middle position.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've encountered all kinds of roundabouts and have some tips for signaling when entering and exiting. When approaching a roundabout, I first turn on my right turn signal to let vehicles behind me and those already in the roundabout know I'm merging in. Once inside the roundabout, I turn off all signals to avoid confusion while driving straight. Only when I'm close to my intended exit do I activate my left turn signal to indicate I'm turning left to exit. Why this approach? Because roundabouts have heavy traffic flow - failing to signal right when entering might make others think you're going straight or suddenly changing direction, potentially causing rear-end collisions or sideswipes. I've also found that proper signaling during rain or at night makes traffic flow smoother, saving time and improving safety. Once when I was in a hurry and forgot to signal while entering, the car behind nearly hit me - a lesson I'll never forget, so now I always double-check my signals.
When I first started learning to drive, I would always panic at roundabouts and mess up the turn signals. Looking back at what my instructor taught: signal right when approaching the roundabout to indicate entry; once inside, don't use any signals until you're nearing your exit, then signal left to prepare to exit. At first, I often signaled incorrectly—like signaling left when entering or randomly flashing lights inside the roundabout—resulting in angry honks. Later, I understood: a roundabout is like a circle—signaling right when entering is like saying 'I'm coming,' and signaling left when exiting is like saying 'I'm leaving.' This way, others understand your intentions. The rule is simple—new drivers just need to go through it a few times to remember, and it helps prevent accidents. Remember, stay calm, observe how others signal, and you'll get the hang of it gradually.
Using turn signals in roundabouts is crucial for safety. The steps are simple: signal right before entering to indicate you're joining; drive normally inside without signaling; then signal left before exiting to show you're leaving. This prevents traffic conflicts and reduces blind spot accidents. Many crashes occur from wrong or missed signals, like signaling left on entry or forgetting to signal when exiting, causing confusion. Make it a habit for smooth driving—don't skip it.
