Rules Of The Road

Sunday, 30 December 2018 06:50

Brant County OPP are giving a few tips to the public on how to use roundabouts.

COUNTY OF BRANT - Members of the County of Brant OPP want to remind motorists about using roundabouts with the recent opening of the first roundabout on Rest Acres Road.

When you approach the roundabout:

Slow down
Keep to the right of the splitter island
Use the correct lane for your intended destination
Pay special attention to pedestrians who may be crossing the roadway
Yield to cyclists and any traffic already driving through the roundabout
Stop if there are vehicles already inside the roundabout and the way is not clear
Enter when there is a safe gap in traffic
When you're in the roundabout:

Keep to the right of the centre island and drive in a counter-clockwise direction until you reach your exit
Don't pass large vehicles or change lanes
Don't stop inside the roundabout, except to avoid a collision

To exit the roundabout:

Use your right-turn signal
If you miss your exit, continue around the roundabout again and then exit

Emergency vehicles

If you are still outside the roundabout: Pull over to the right, if you can do so safely. Let the emergency vehicle pass you before you enter. If you are inside the roundabout already: Drive around to your intended exit. Leave the roundabout completely before you pull over to the right. Then let the emergency vehicle pass you.

Large vehicles

Large vehicles may need to use more than one lane when they enter, drive through and exit a roundabout. Within the roundabout, they may also need to use the truck apron. Give large vehicles plenty of room to navigate.

Pedestrians

Roundabouts are generally safer for pedestrians than traditional intersections. Follow these tips to cross a roundabout safely:

Cross the roads that lead into the roundabout one at a time. Never cross a roundabout by walking over the central island.
Wait for a gap in traffic. Cross only when it is safe.

Cyclists

If you're an experienced cyclist, you can move through the roundabout the same way you would in a vehicle:

Merge into the centre of the vehicle lane before the bike lane or shoulder ends
Stay in the middle of the lane to avoid collisions with other vehicles exiting to the right
New cyclists should get off their bicycles and cross the roundabout as pedestrians.

For further information you can visit: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/ontario-511/roundabouts.shtml