Roundabout Safety Guidelines

Roundabouts

• High capacity junctions designed for multiple users at the same time
• Be prepared to reduce speed if drivers enter ahead of you from the left

Safety Precautions

• Watch out for pedestrians crossing the approach and exit roads
• Give plenty of room to traffic crossing in front of you on the roundabout
• Be aware of traffic that is straddling lanes or incorrectly positioned
• Watch out for motorcyclists, cyclists, and horse riders who may signal right when intending to continue around the roundabout
• Be cautious of long vehicles that may need to take a different course approaching or on the roundabout due to their length
• Watch for signals or manoeuvres from other vehicles

Mini Roundabouts

• Approach mini roundabouts in the same way as normal roundabouts
• All vehicles must pass to the left of the central markings, except for large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so
• Remember that there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal on mini roundabouts
• Be aware of vehicles making U-turns

Single Lane Roundabouts

• The same rules apply on approach as normal roundabouts
• When exiting onto a single lane from the roundabout, indicate and be on the left to exit properly

Vehicle Safety Checks

• Ensure that brakes, horn, tyres, windscreen wipers, all lights, steering, and seat belts are in proper working order before any journey

Stopping Distances

• Stopping distances increase greatly with wet and slippery roads, poor brakes/tyres, and tired drivers
• Use the four-second rule to increase the distance between vehicles in wet weather

Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions

• In wet weather:
  • Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front
  • Be aware of hidden dangers such as oil, grease, and debris on the road surface
  • Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users
• In windy weather:
  • Be particularly careful when overtaking
  • Leave sufficient space when overtaking larger vehicles
  • Avoid harsh braking or manoeuvres
• In hot weather:
  • Be aware that road surfaces may be soft and even slight rain may make the road slippery
  • Be extra cautious when driving during sunrise or sunset, especially in the direction of the sun

Giving Way

• You MUST give way:
  • To vehicles proceeding through the junction on your right-hand side
  • When turning left, allow the vehicle on your right to pass
  • When turning right and a vehicle is coming towards you
  • When turning right and a vehicle is proceeding through from your left
• Exception: When both vehicles are heading towards each other and turning right, neither driver has to give way because both can turn safely