Avoiding Accidents and Staying Safe While Driving in Traffic Roundabouts

Unlike traditional intersections with clear right-of-way rules, roundabouts operate under a unique set of traffic expectations. Many motorists do not fully understand the right-of-way rules in a roundabout, which could lead to car accidents due to driver confusion, driver error, or driver negligence. A roundabout is essentially a circular intersection that promotes the efficient flow of traffic. They eliminate complete stops in many situations and force all traffic to slow down.

Roundabouts, as we know them today, were largely developed and popularized in the United Kingdom starting in the mid-1960s. While earlier circular intersections existed, the “modern roundabout” with its yield-at-entry rule and specific design features, emerged from research and experimentation in the United Kingdom. Fault for Maryland roundabout car crashes is based on which driver broke any right-of-way rules or traffic laws. The circular flow of roundabouts means witnesses often continue moving and leave the accident scene, unaware an auto collision occurred behind them. This results in fewer independent observers compared to traditional intersection car crashes.

The more you know about how to navigate roundabouts, the easier it will be to avoid car crashes and stay safe. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, our law firm is dedicated to helping car crash victims recover the compensation they deserve after being injured by another driver’s negligence. If you have been in a roundabout car collision, our experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers are prepared to talk about your situation, answer your questions, and discuss your potential legal options.

What Are Roundabouts?

The modern roundabout is a circular intersection with design features that promote safe and efficient traffic flow with no traffic lights. At roundabouts in the United States, vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island, with entering traffic yielding the right-of-way to circulating traffic. The vehicles in the roundabout have the right-of-way. However, when you approach the roundabout, if the road is clear, you do not have to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

In urban settings, entering vehicles negotiate a curve sharp enough to slow speeds to about 15 to 20 mph; in rural settings, entering vehicles may be held to somewhat higher speeds around 30 to 35 mph. Within the roundabout and as vehicles exit, slow speeds are maintained by the deflection of traffic around the center island and the relatively tight radius of the roundabout and exit lanes. Slow speeds aid in the smooth movement of vehicles into, around, and out of a roundabout. Motorists approaching a roundabout must reduce their speeds, look for potential conflicts with vehicles already in the circle, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians and bicyclists. Once in the roundabout, motorists proceed to the appropriate exit, following the guidance provided by traffic signs and pavement markings.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roundabouts are categorized into three types:

• Mini Roundabouts (15 to 20 mph)
• Single-Lane Roundabouts (20 to 25 mph)
• Multi-Lane Roundabouts (25 to 30 mph)

A roundabout is quite different in that the “box” of the intersection is removed and replaced with a circular-shaped road. Drivers must enter the roundabout safely, yield to pedestrians and other motorists, and then travel until they reach their desired roadway. Some, but not all roundabouts, have traffic lights controlling traffic flow. Those who do not have traffic signals require drivers to yield to those already in the roundabout before entering.

Challenges Involving Roundabouts

Despite roundabouts being much safer than traditional traffic signals, they can present significant challenges for some drivers. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), as many as 40% of frequent roundabout drivers are confused about various aspects of driving within the traffic circles, including what speed to drive and which lane has the right-of-way.

Some of the main issues that confuse people in roundabouts include:

• Unfamiliarity with roundabout signs
• Confusion regarding pavement markings
• Misunderstanding about who has the right-of-way
• Confusion about how to enter and exit the roundabout
• Lack of knowledge about speed limits within roundabouts

Most of these problems can be fixed with education to the public regarding how roundabouts operate. Cities and counties that use these traffic structures should also problem solve to ensure signage and pavement markings are adequate.

Common Causes of Traffic Roundabout Car Crashes

When car collisions do occur in a roundabout, they are typically related to driver error. In fact, according to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), driver error is the leading cause of all car accidents. Specifically, some common causes of roundabout car wrecks include:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way to vehicles already inside the roundabout
• Distracted driving and lack of attention to surrounding traffic
• Limited vision of signs or roadway markings due to other nearby traffic
• Entering and exiting circulating car accidents
• Rear-end car wrecks when someone stopped suddenly
• Speeding through the roundabout without regard to the speed limits
• Side-swipe car crashes in multi-lane roundabouts
• Failure to slow down enough to navigate the roundabout
• Lack of bicycle lanes in the roundabout
• Trucks or other large vehicles failing to stay in their lanes
• Failure to lookout for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles
• Lack of pedestrian refuge around and within the roundabout

In some situations, roundabout designers can prevent these car collisions with clear signs, markings, and structures. For example, when an island separates an approach to exit lanes (also called a splitter island), it should extend far enough from the traffic circle to ensure pedestrians and cyclists are safe.

5 Tips to Stay Safe While Driving in Roundabouts in Maryland

Once you are aware of the challenges of traveling in roundabouts, it is possible to avoid most auto accidents within these traffic structures. Here are 5 tips for staying safe while driving around the circles.

1. Be Prepared for Upcoming Roundabouts – Roundabouts are popping up everywhere in Maryland. Be aware of where roundabouts are being constructed and be prepared for a change in traffic patterns and expectations.
2. Slow Down Before You Enter the Roundabout – When you near a roundabout, there should be a posted speed limit sign that instructs you to reduce your speed significantly. You should slow down well before the traffic circle and maintain that speed through the roundabout. If there are vehicles already in the roundabout, you may have to slow down even more or possibly stop.
3. Yield to Oncoming Traffic – If there are cars already in the roundabout, stop before entering. You only need to look to the left for oncoming traffic when entering a counterclockwise roundabout. Once you enter the roundabout, you have the right-of-way, but you still need to be aware of other vehicles around you.
4. Make Sure You Are in the Right Lane – Navigating multi-lane roundabouts can be confusing. Look for signs and roadway markings that tell you which lane you should be in depending on which exit you will be taking. Avoid sideswipe car accidents by remaining in your lane and not changing lanes once you are in the roundabout.
5. Watch Out for Pedestrians and Cyclists – Many roundabouts have islands and sidewalks that provide refuge for pedestrians. Some of them are also designed with bicycle lanes. It is important to look out for people who are not in motor vehicles around the roundabouts.

Need Legal Help? Call the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt After a Roundabout Car Accident.

Roundabout car wrecks can create significant challenges in determining fault. It can be hard to know who is to blame if you or a loved one was involved in a car collision in a roundabout. Injured victims will need solid evidence to secure fair compensation for their injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses. You do not have to go through the legal process alone. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt our legal team can help you determine liability and hold the right person accountable. You pay no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses to engage our services. Call the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt at 443-844-1528 for a free 1:1 case review, anytime day or night.