Navigating Roundabouts
Roundabouts may be unfamiliar to some riders, though they have been commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world for decades. There are more roundabouts on the East coast than in other parts of the United States, but recently more and more have been constructed throughout the Midwest. Not only are these intersections unfamiliar to some motorcycle riders, but auto drivers may be confused by them as well and thus pose extra risk to motorcyclists sharing the road.
Roundabout Safety Tips
If you are unfamiliar with roundabouts, the following tips may help you navigate them safely:
- As you approach the roundabout, thoroughly check for other vehicles
- Assume that cars not signaling to exit will remain in the roundabout
- Yield to anyone already in the roundabout
- Once the way is clear, move through the roundabout in a counter-clockwise direction
- Be aware that some drivers do not know how to drive in these intersections and may go the wrong way, so it is not a bad idea to check to your right as well as your left before entering the intersection
- While in the roundabout, avoid braking or changing lanes if at all possible
- When you are ready to exit, signal and check to make sure that the way is clear before leaving the roundabout
Keep in mind that roundabouts are most dangerous for cyclists, who may have to travel in a special exterior lane of the roundabout. Also know that navigating roundabouts can require some moderate riding skills, such as good clutch and throttle control and ease with simultaneous braking and turning, so beginning riders may want to wait to navigate these intersections until they feel comfortable with such maneuvers.
Contact Us
Unfortunately, not everyone can safely navigate a roundabout. If you were injured in an accident in a roundabout due to the negligence of another party, contact the Iowa motorcycle accident lawyers of the Pete Leehey Law Firm, P.C., at 877-209-9452 today.