MnDOT Raising Awareness on Roundabouts
You may have noticed an increase in roundabouts being constructed, If you haven’t found one yet, you may in the near future. The question most have is: How do we use them? And the next is: Why do we need them? Let’s answer the second question first.
Why Use A Roundabout?
According to MnDOT’s website, roundabouts provide better safety, improved traffic flow, improved fuel efficiency and air quality. MnDOT mentions there is a 39% decrease in all crashes and there is an 89% decrease in fatal crashes when roundabouts are used instead of traditional intersections. There are fewer delays with high level traffic in roundabouts, and since a vehicle will continue to move in a roundabout there is no idling like at a stop sign or stoplight. Vehicle emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by 30% or more according to MnDOT.
How Do You Drive A Roundabout?
MnDOT has excellent resources for learning how to drive in a roundabout and recommend checking it out. Here are a few quick key tips to remember when using a roundabout:
- Yield to drivers that are in the roundabout.
- Do not change lanes in the roundabout – get in the appropriate lane outside the roundabout.
- There is no stopping in the roundabout.
- Make note of signs or road markings regarding allowed or illegal movements.
- If there is an emergency vehicle approaching the roundabout, exit immediately and pull over.
To learn more about roundabouts and view a video on the topic, please visit:Â http://www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts/.
