The chat we need to have about roundabout etiquette
You spin me right 'round, baby, right 'round, like a record, baby, right 'round, 'round, 'round...COMMENT
An iconic song with lyrics that should also be a pretty literal description of how a roundabout works, should. Instead, this is how my head feels the majority of the time when I transit through one (and not in a good way).
Without any exaggeration, it seems that there are many drivers out there who seemingly have no idea how these staples of Australian roads actually work and to say it irks me would be an understatement.
In fact, I’d probably say that this is the pet peeve that trumps all other pet peeves and has driven me to write this little piece/rant on roundabout etiquette – the chat we most definitely need to have Australia.
You do not always have to stop.
Nope, there is no stop sign at roundabouts (that is the whole point, to keep the traffic moving).
If there is traffic that you need to give way to, be my guest and pump those brakes but if the only vehicle in sight is a kilometre down the road you don’t need to stop and wait for it.
While you may think this is being cautious, I can tell you it is just being disrespectful to every other person behind you who now has to also unnecessarily wait and wait and wait… If you are still hesitant, here is the actual road rule courtesy of the Department of Transport Victoria.
“Drivers do not need to come to a stop when approaching a roundabout, provided it is safe to enter and no other vehicles are travelling through. Roundabouts have a broken white line, therefore can be treated the same as a give way intersection.”
A snail’s pace is not warranted
I’m not saying to fly through roundabouts like you’re on a speedway but barely clocking up 10km per hour on your speedo is not justified. It is a roundabout, not a minefield.
While we are on speed, you also don’t need to begin the process of slowing down five blocks away from the roundabout. Yes, it is approaching, yes you do need to slow down somewhat but it can be done from a safe AND practical distance.
Giving way
Perhaps one of the most unknown facts about Australian roundabouts is that giving way to the right is not actually the rule.
That’s right (or not in this case) and here is an official response from the Department of Transport Victoria to prove it.
“A driver entering a roundabout must give way to any vehicle in the roundabout, regardless of direction.”
I.e., whoever is already in the roundabout has the right of way (not the person on your right who is still a suburb down the road).
So, if you are a speed demon who thinks that just because they are on someone’s right-hand side that they are meant to give way to you, well you’re wrong and it may be time to ease off the accelerator and be more aware of who else is in the roundabout.
Indication is key (and the law)
It ain't just courtesy to other road users, indicating when you leave the roundabout is a road rule.
“A driver in a roundabout must give a left change of direction signal when leaving the roundabout,” say my friends at the DoT Victoria so do it!
I must admit, it has been a while since I looked at the official road rules book so I understand that things can get forgotten or confused (especially at roundabouts it seems) so hopefully this little chat will help you on your way.
If it hasn’t though, you can always visit Road Rule Education Online and access their info or take a quiz to see how much you remember (or don’t).
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