We deal with all types of personal injury claims including road traffic accidents. This includes accidents at roundabouts. Many drivers dislike using roundabouts and I can often understand why.
As a driver myself, I often see near misses on roundabouts almost every day. To me personally, the issues seem to be a lack of knowledge (especially when using a large multi-lane roundabout) and speed. Some drivers intend to go straight on at a roundabout and therefore think that they do not need to slow down.
You should always slow down before proceeding to enter a roundabout. This often happens and then it is difficult for other cars to pull out onto the roundabout. Speed or not slowing down for a roundabout is a problem. The other problem is an apparent lack of knowledge when it comes to large roundabouts. Too often I see cars not taking roundabouts correctly, whether it is incorrectly changing lanes on the roundabout itself or cars cutting across lanes etc.
Sometimes drivers deliberately go into the inside lane (which for example is to turn right only) and then proceed to cut in front of another car and go straight on. I can only assume that people do this to skip traffic but it is very dangerous and frustrating for other road users. I also see vehicles entering and exiting roundabouts incorrectly (i.e. in the wrong lane).
Basic rules when it comes to roundabouts
Most of us should have learned how to tackle roundabouts correctly. The first basic rule is to slow to an acceptable speed, even if you can proceed straight onto the roundabout. Speeding over a roundabout is a recipe for disaster as another vehicle may be attempting to pull out for example. Also think of a large vehicle such as a lorry or bus, such vehicles take at least a few seconds to get out into the roundabout.
There is also the basic rule of giving way to traffic already on the roundabout and approaching from the right. This is quite an easy and basic rule to follow, but on some roundabouts it can be more difficult such as if you are not able to see around the roundabout very well. Again, this reiterates the problem of speeding at a roundabout.
Another rule (which I often see broken) is to stay in the correct lane. For example on a large roundabout there may be 2 lanes for turning right. If you enter the roundabout on the furthest right lane then you should exit the roundabout on the furthest right lane. Many times I see vehicles using the furthest right lane and then coming off in the left lane, when there could be vehicles in that lane taking the same exit. This is a difficult one to explain without a diagram, but in essence try to stick to the correct lane when exiting a roundabout.
If you have been injured in an accident on a roundabout then you may be entitled to claim compensation. We can assess your claim for free so do not hesitate to get in touch.
To find out more, just call 0800 634 7575 today.
