Which lane to turn left on roundabout?
Discussion
This is a roundabout i use in a regular basis.
Two lanes enter the roundabout (neither has any arrow markings painted on the road) with two lanes also on the first exit.
As I want to take the first exit and then turn immediately right, should i be in the left lane before the roundabout, then indicate to move across to the right lane after exiting the roundabout (red line). Or is it better to take the right hand lane into the roundabout and stay on the right hand side? (blue line)
Other drivers use either technique, which ends up with potential conflicts, as some people go into roundabout in left lane expecting right hand lane users to be taking the second exit and then you end up with two cars aiming for the same exit.
Two lanes enter the roundabout (neither has any arrow markings painted on the road) with two lanes also on the first exit.
As I want to take the first exit and then turn immediately right, should i be in the left lane before the roundabout, then indicate to move across to the right lane after exiting the roundabout (red line). Or is it better to take the right hand lane into the roundabout and stay on the right hand side? (blue line)
Other drivers use either technique, which ends up with potential conflicts, as some people go into roundabout in left lane expecting right hand lane users to be taking the second exit and then you end up with two cars aiming for the same exit.
Edited by boyse7en on Thursday 18th October 09:42
If you look strictly at the roundabout, then the correct approach is to take the left hand lane in red, then move right to take the exit. Cars in the right hand lane approaching *should* be going straight ahead or right, and I stress the "should".
But it's perhaps best to conform to local custom, or be very cautious and have a head like an owl when aiming for the right turn after the roundabout
But it's perhaps best to conform to local custom, or be very cautious and have a head like an owl when aiming for the right turn after the roundabout
dvenman said:
If you look strictly at the roundabout, then the correct approach is to take the left hand lane in red, then move right to take the exit. Cars in the right hand lane approaching *should* be going straight ahead or right, and I stress the "should".
But it's perhaps best to conform to local custom, or be very cautious and have a head like an owl when aiming for the right turn after the roundabout
That's the problem, there is no "local custom", it seems a fairly even 50:50 split between those using the left hand lane or the right hand lane. But it's perhaps best to conform to local custom, or be very cautious and have a head like an owl when aiming for the right turn after the roundabout
Observation is definitely required, plus a bit of mind reading for some drivers.
If busy, then probably safest to take the left hand lane for first exit and then merge into the rh lane.
It is reasonable that vehicles in the left hand may continue round for the second exit. If you enter the roundabout at the same time in the right hand lane and head for the first exit...there will be conflict.
It is reasonable that vehicles in the left hand may continue round for the second exit. If you enter the roundabout at the same time in the right hand lane and head for the first exit...there will be conflict.
I think taking the red route is easier. It should be easier to look over your right shoulder without the obstruction of the A, B, or C pillars that you would get looking over your left shoulder. Plus, for the same movement of the head, you get a wider field of view out of the driver’s door mirror, than you would for the passenger door mirror. That all applies more so in a panel van. (all this assume a RHD vehicle).
For me the left hand approach is harder as you will get into "conflict" with traffic not wanting you to move to the right hand lane in order to turn right at next junction. Therefore maybe holding up folk who wish to continue left, if no one lets you in.
From the right hand lane be signalling left before entering roundabout and your "safe" movement towards lane 2/right hand lane on the exit means you are already in lane 2/right hand lane for next junction meaning 1 less manoeuvre.
If I was coaching/teaching someone how to navigate this junction/roundabout I would get them to do it both ways and let them decide which way they prefer, it can also depend on what other road users are doing, density of traffic etc...
You could always if traffic very heavy lane one, go all the way around roundabout (from lane 2 on approach), then exiting into lane 2....and in the process maybe saving time, and helping reduce traffic congestion by taking the shortest queue
By already doing both you are proving a more proactive driver, maybe contact local roads unit and ask them to consider throwing some direction arrows onto the road, but then not all observe them either!
From the right hand lane be signalling left before entering roundabout and your "safe" movement towards lane 2/right hand lane on the exit means you are already in lane 2/right hand lane for next junction meaning 1 less manoeuvre.
If I was coaching/teaching someone how to navigate this junction/roundabout I would get them to do it both ways and let them decide which way they prefer, it can also depend on what other road users are doing, density of traffic etc...
You could always if traffic very heavy lane one, go all the way around roundabout (from lane 2 on approach), then exiting into lane 2....and in the process maybe saving time, and helping reduce traffic congestion by taking the shortest queue
By already doing both you are proving a more proactive driver, maybe contact local roads unit and ask them to consider throwing some direction arrows onto the road, but then not all observe them either!
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