Roundabouts
What is a roundabout:
A roundabout is a circular intersection where vehicles move counter-clockwise around an island. There are no stop signs or lights so traffic entering the intersection must yield to vehicles in either lane of the roundabout.
Why roundabouts:
Roundabout improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. They also improve traffic flow and reduce idling and fuel consumption. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure reports roundabouts have 35% fewer crashes, 90% fewer vehicle fatalities and 76% few vehicle-related injuries.
How to use a roundabout:
Approach
- On multi-lane roundabouts, lane use signs and painted arrows indicate where you can go in each lane when you are in the roundabout.
- Do not change lanes in a roundabout. Make sure you know where you want to go and are in the correct lane before you enter a roundabout.
- Watch for large trucks and give them space. A transport truck may need both lanes to safely travel through a roundabout.
Enter
- Slow down as you approach the circle.
- IMPORTANT: It is the drivers responsibility to yield to all traffic currently in the roundabout regardless of which lane they are in.
- Go around the traffic circle in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit.
Exit
- Signal before exiting.
- Watch for and pedestrians and cyclists.
Emergency vehicles in roundabouts:
If you're in a roundabout and hear and emergency vehicle, do not stop in the roundabout. Proceed through the roundabout and then pull over to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
More information:
Please visit the Ministry of Transportation and check out their "How to Use a Roundabout" videos, interactive animation and infographic.
