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More than one in five drivers don’t know they need to indicate left when exiting a roundabout straight ahead, prompting an RAA road rules reminder.
Results of a recent road rules quiz in RAA’s samove publication show 21% of respondents didn’t think drivers were required to indicate when exiting a roundabout straight ahead. (See Example A)
According to the Australian Road Rules (Reg 118), drivers must indicate before exiting a roundabout unless it is impracticable to do so – such as if you need to turn the steering wheel in a way that doesn’t enable you to indicate simultaneously.
Further, 31% of respondents thought a pedestrian has priority when crossing an exit road of a roundabout, when in fact pedestrians are required to give way to drivers – unless the pedestrian is crossing at a slip lane or dedicated crossing. (See Example B)
Last financial year more than 1,350 drivers were picked up by SA Police for roundabout-related offences, such as failing to indicate or failing to give way.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said it was particularly important to indicate when exiting a complex roundabout.
“RAA receives hundreds of questions about roundabouts from South Australian drivers every year,” Mr Mountain said.
“Despite there being some confusion among drivers, it’s important to note that roundabouts provide safety benefits at many intersections – where drivers slow down, it generally results in safer outcomes than other intersection types.
“However, it is worrying that so many drivers aren’t clear on some road rules surrounding roundabouts.
“At roundabouts it’s important to signal your intentions to alert other road users, and that includes indicating left before you exit a roundabout if it is practicable to do so.
“Failing to indicate can lead to confusion and congestion as other drivers entering the roundabout can’t anticipate which exit you’re taking and may wait longer than they need to.”
Mr Mountain said remembering some other basic principles would help drivers navigate roundabouts smoothly and safely.
“Always approach the roundabout at a slow enough speed that allows you to safely give way or come to a stop if required.
“Remember that you’re required to give way to any vehicles in the roundabout – and you should only enter if there is a safe gap in traffic.
“A common scenario that causes confusion is when you’re exiting a multi-lane roundabout from the inside lane, and there may be another vehicle in your path continuing in the roundabout in the outside lane.
“The rule in that situation is you must give way if you’re exiting across another lane. Again, signalling your intention by indicating before you exit should help you exit safely once there is a gap.”
Example A:
The driver is heading straight onto Anzac Highway. Do they need to indicate left when exiting the roundabout?
Example B:
Who gives way – the pedestrian or the motorist?
