Editor:
I think we all have noticed the increase in the number of roundabouts being installed in our area recently, which I believe is a great idea.
However, I don’t think most people understand how they work and what to do when using them.
Roundabouts have been used in England and Europe for years and they range from eight-lane, seven-road circuits to a simple circle painted in the middle of an intersection.
So what is the proper etiquette when using roundabouts?
First, the person in the roundabout has the right of way.
Second, you should signal in and signal out of the roundabout which means in Canada, you signal left entering the roundabout and continue to signal left until you reach your exit then you signal right out of the circle. This allows the driver entering the roundabout to know what your intentions are and therefore not enter the circle while you are continuing around it.
Use this simple rule and you will find, like all of Europe does, that roundabouts are a great traffic manager.
Dan Spence
Chemainus
