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Single-Lane Roundabouts
September 30, 2022 at 4:43 PM
TURNING LEFT AT A SINGLE-LANE ROUNDABOUT
When approaching a single-lane roundabout and turning left, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening up ahead. While we are doing that, we indicate to the left and start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. We follow the centre line of the road on the approach, keeping about half a meter from the centre line. We approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. Normally a roundabout is controlled by a Give way sign. We look to see if there is any traffic coming from the right or oncoming that is going to cross our path from the right. It’s important we look for other driver’s indicators. We also try and make eye contact with other drivers to see where they are looking and to help us work out where they are going. The approaching speed of the other driver may also help us to decide where they are going. Ideally, we don’t stop unnecessarily, but sometimes we may not be sure where the other driver is going. Once it’s safe to go, we accelerate lightly and turn the wheel. We focus on where we want the car to go. We accelerate more as the car straightens up, but only if it is safe to do so. We have a good look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
TURNING RIGHT AT A SINGLE-LANE ROUNDABOUT
When approaching a single-lane roundabout and turning right, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening up ahead. While we are doing that, we indicate to the right and start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. We follow the centre line of the road on the approach, keeping about half a meter from the centre line. We approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. Normally a roundabout is controlled by a Give way sign. We look to see if there is any traffic coming from the right or oncoming that is going to cross our path from the right. It’s important we look for other driver’s indicators. We also try and make eye contact with other drivers to see where they are looking and to help us work out where they are going. The approaching speed of the other driver may also help us to decide where they are going. Ideally, we don’t stop unnecessarily, but sometimes we may not be sure where the other driver is going. Once it’s safe to go, we accelerate lightly and focus on where we want the car to go. We keep the speed down, because we have a sharp turn to make. Once we come alongside the second exit, we indicate to the left, to let the oncoming traffic know that we are leaving the roundabout. We accelerate more as the car straightens up, but only if it is safe to do so. We have a good look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
GOING STRAIGHT AT A SINGLE-LANE ROUNDABOUT
When approaching a single-lane roundabout and going straight, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening up ahead. While we are doing that, we start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. We follow the centre line of the road on the approach, keeping about half a meter from the centre line. We approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. Normally a roundabout is controlled by a Give way sign. We look to see if there is any traffic coming from the right or oncoming that is going to cross our path from the right. It’s important we look for other driver’s indicators. We also try and make eye contact with other drivers to see where they are looking and to help us work out where they are going. The approaching speed of the other driver may also help us to decide where they are going. Ideally, we don’t stop unnecessarily, but sometimes we may not be sure where the other driver is going. Once it’s safe to go, we accelerate lightly and focus on where we want the car to go. Once we come alongside the first exit, we indicate to the left, to let the oncoming traffic know that we are leaving the roundabout. We accelerate more as the car straightens up, but only if it is safe to do so. We have a good look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
DOING A U-TURN AT A SINGLE-LANE ROUNDABOUT
When approaching a single-lane roundabout and doing a U-turn, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror. We will do this well before the intersection, so we are aware of what’s behind us. After that, we look ahead and anticipate what’s happening up ahead. While we are doing that, we indicate to the right and start to slow down early, so we have plenty of time to anticipate the traffic situation ahead. We follow the centre line of the road on the approach, keeping about half a meter from the centre line. We approach the intersection at a speed that allows us to stop safely, but at the same time anticipate the traffic and go if it is safe to do so. Normally a roundabout is controlled by a Give way sign. We look to see if there is any traffic coming from the right or oncoming that is going to cross our path from the right. It’s important we look for other driver’s indicators. We also try and make eye contact with other drivers to see where they are looking and to help us work out where they are going. The approaching speed of the other driver may also help us to decide where they are going. Ideally, we don’t stop unnecessarily, but sometimes we may not be sure where the other driver is going. Once it’s safe to go, we accelerate lightly and focus on where we want the car to go. We keep the speed down, because we have a sharp turn to make. Once we come alongside the third exit, we indicate to the left, to let the oncoming traffic know that we are leaving the roundabout. We accelerate more as the car straightens up, but only if it is safe to do so. We have a good look ahead to scan/ search for any information that is given to us. Once we are settled, we can check the rear vision mirror to see what’s behind us.
FAQs
1) What’s the basic rule at a single-lane roundabout in New Zealand?
Give way to traffic from your right that will cross your path and to anyone already in the roundabout. Enter only when your gap is clearly safe, then keep speeds low and steer smoothly.
2) Do I need to indicate at a single-lane roundabout — and when?
Left turn: signal left on approach and keep it on through the roundabout.
Straight: no signal on entry; signal left after passing the exit before yours.
Right/U-turn: signal right on approach; switch to left after the exit before yours to show you’re leaving.
3) How should I approach speed and positioning?
Slow early to a speed that lets you stop if needed, track near the centre line on approach (about half a metre off), and look well ahead for indicators, vehicle paths, and pedestrians.
4) What’s different when turning right at a single-lane roundabout?
Keep speed down — it’s a sharper arc. Enter only with a clean gap, hold your line, then signal left after the exit before yours and leave when safe.
5) How do I go straight through correctly?
Approach at a controllable speed, give way to the right, hold a steady line, then signal left after the previous exit and exit without drifting.
6) Can I make a U-turn at a single-lane roundabout?
Yes, where not prohibited by signs/markings. Treat it like a right turn: signal right on approach, keep speed low, then signal left after the exit before your departure and leave cleanly when safe.
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