Roundabouts are becoming increasingly common in the United States, as more and more municipalities switch to this model of engineering and away from blunt intersections controlled by stop signs and stop lights. There are a lot of bonuses to this methodology, but there are also a lot of risks—they can be extremely dangerous for many, many people.
Below, or friends at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC discuss roundabouts and their hidden dangers.
Right Of Way And Driver Confusion
As an initial matter, roundabouts are generally controlled by yield signs. Yield signs mean that the entering motorist has to give the right of way to those drivers who are within the circle. But this can lead to some ambiguity on the part of some drivers (because they don’t understand how a yield sign actually works, or are uncertain about the rules of roundabouts). If two drivers arrive at the roundabout at the same time, who is yielding to whom? You would think that doesn’t present a factual problem, but it can. Who has the “right of way” in a personal injury claim arising out of a car accident can mean everything. Who has the right of way helps to determine who the at-fault party is!
Tips For Navigating Roundabouts Safely
In driving near and through roundabouts, there are a few rules that can help you
drive safely, and prevent common mistakes.
Treat yield signs as stop signs. Never be afraid to come to a complete stop, out of an abundance of caution. This ensures that you don’t cut out in front of another vehicle that is in the roundabout, even if that driver is speeding.
Look to your left as you approach and as you enter the roundabout. Roundabouts will always have traffic coming from one direction, so always look to see where those vehicles are coming from. By keeping your eyes left, you can also check the other entrances to the roundabout and keep an eye out for people who may be ignoring the signs!
Stay alert. Do not follow other vehicles too closely, because those vehicles may come to an abrupt stop. A car could stop after entering the roundabout, and inside the roundabout itself, another car could come to a screeching halt because yet another driver failed to yield and bolted into the road. These crashes could involve multiple vehicles within seconds, so keep your eyes open!
Keep watch for pedestrians. Some roundabouts are not clearly labeled as to where a person is supposed to cross. At the normal intersection we are familiar with, there is often a marked crosswalk. Some roundabouts have them, but not all. Make sure you take note of any nearby pedestrian before moving.
What To Do After A Roundabout Accident
Roundabout car accidents are becoming more frequent, as these devices sprout up in more and more areas. If you have been involved in a roundabout accident, the first and best thing that you can do is always contact an experienced car, truck, or motorcycle accident lawyer right away! If you wait, the only people who benefit are the at-fault insurance carriers.