From my experience on roads, not only on the Gold Coast, but in other parts of Queensland, I have noticed a lot of road users (drivers and riders) have difficulty using roundabouts. Simply, a roundabout is an intersection with a circle in the middle. In reality, what a road user does at a cross intersection, they should do at a roundabout. For example, indicate, give way, use the correct lane, etc.
The circle in the middle of a roundabout has magical powers on road users!!
However, it appears to me that the circle in the middle of the roundabout has magical powers and causes road users to react in a different way than they would at a cross intersection. For example, I have seen road users turn right from the left lane on a roundabout. I have seen road users indicate right on the approach to the roundabout and then drive through the roundabout. I have noticed road users do not use any indicators on a roundabout. Now I would assume they would not do those things at a cross intersection, so why do it on a roundabout? It must be the magical power of the circle in the middle of the roundabout.
Sometime ago, the Department of Transport produced a leaflet on using roundabouts. I have downloaded the leaflet (see link below). Now it may not apply to you as a road user, but I am sure you know somebody that it may apply to. Please feel free to download the leaflet or print it and distribute it to anybody you think may need it.
Always indicate left when exiting a roundabout.
The leaflet explains the safest way to travel through or turn at a roundabout. I did note a couple of important issues not included on the leaflet. One issue relates to indicating. The left indicator is used to turn left and exit the roundabout; the right indicator is used to turn right and then indicate left to exit the roundabout; and, no indication is necessary if going through the roundabout until you exit, then the left indicator is used. The second important issue relates to semi-trailers, caravans or long trailers displaying a “Do not overtake turning vehicle” sign. These vehicles can legally take up two lanes on or approaching a roundabout - so road users, in particular, motorcyclists should take care.
Click here to open Queensland Transport leaflet on Roundabouts
(After viewing the leaflet, use the browser ‘back’ key to return to this page).
Loading ...
Hey good advice RDB. It seems like there must have been 10 different brochures produced because I to have seen some amazing antics on roundabouts. I continue to have people telling me what should happen on a roundabout which is contradictory to what the brochure indicates (excuse the pun). I say keep it simple just as you have highlighted.
Of course this means motorcyclists still need to be wary because we are not all on the same page yet!!!!
Comment by Curley — Jul 8 @ 10:05 amI quite often see no indicating when exiting after going straight through. I was guilty of it myself for many years. I guess most people assume “I’m not turning, why do i need to inticate?”
Comment by malcolmchalmers — Dec 18 @ 10:15 am