Roundabouts
Page 65
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ROUNDABOUTS are situated where streams of traffic from different directions inter-mix and they are designed to improve traffic flow and assist drivers to change from one stream to another.
There is a great variety of designs in the layout of roundabouts but this position is always indicated by appropriate road signs, some of which incorporate a plan of the layout. A useful way to regard roundabouts is to relate them to the face of a clock. Exits at 12 o'clock are straight ahead, before 12 o'clock is a left turn and after 12 o'clock is a right turn.
The procedure for negotiating roundabouts is very similar to that applied to road junctions. Teach your learner driver the value of early observation of road conditions and other traffic as you approach roundabouts, for he must be prepared to stop if necessary or carry on steadily if the road is clear. The general rule on roundabouts is to give way to traffic on the roundabout approaching from your right and any exceptions to this general rule will be clearly indicated by road signs and markings.
If intending to turn left, the roundabout should be approached in the nearside lane and the basic drill of mirror-signal-manoeuvre carefully followed as the speed of the vehicle is reduced by gentle application of the brakes and changing down in gears.
Use the block-change procedure whenever it is appropriate but however the reduction is achieved, it is essential to arrive at the roundabout in the correct gear, le the gear in which you intend to move away. Use your left-hand indicator on approaching the roundabout, when you are on it and while you are leaving it.
When intending to take the road ahead, the roundabout should be approached in the nearside lane or the right-hand lane if the inside lane is blocked with slow-moving traffic or vehicles turning left. Do not use your signals on the approach to the roundabout but indicate left at the exit before the one you intend to take.
For a right-hand turn, approach the roundabout in the right-hand lane or to the left of the centre line. Use your righthand indicator on the approach, keep to the centre while negotiating the roundabout and use the left mirror before switching to the left-hand indicator at the exit before the one you propose to use and as you are leaving the roundabout.
Mini-roundabouts, sometimes in pairs, are being installed at many smaller road junctions anti the same procedures should be followed as for the larger type.
Your new driver must learn to appreciate the need for constant use of his mirrors throughout these manoeuvres. Emphasise especially the importance of using his nearside mirror to ensure that other traffic, particularly cyclists, have not moved up inside him while he has been executing his turn. He must always be alert to the presence of other road users and take care that he does not endanger them in any way or obstruct their progress.
• by Frank Lewsey
Mr Lewsey is training adviser, EP Training Services Ltd (Esher 66183).