Right, I've had enough.
I am beginning my conquest of reeducation in the ways of the roundabouts. Im sick of nearly being side swiped by people who have not got a clue on how to use roundabouts! It's pathetic, it really is. I can guarantee everytime I go onto one of the main roundabouts near me I will have to brake harshly to avoid someone hitting the side of me, or nail it onto the roundabout so I make sure Im in front of the person on the left of me.
And it's usually always people on the outside of the roundabout going straight on that cut accross into the centre of the roundabout, either forcing me up the roundabout, or as I said, having to brake sharp.
So, let's begin.
On approaching a roundabout take notice and act on all the information available to you, including traffic signs, traffic lights and lane markings which direct you into the correct lane. You should
* use Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre at all stages
* decide as early as possible which exit you need to take
* give an appropriate signal. Time your signals so as not to confuse other road users
* get into the correct lane
* adjust your speed and position to fit in with traffic conditions
* be aware of the speed and position of all the traffic around you.
When reaching the roundabout you should
* give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless directed otherwise by signs, road markings or traffic lights
*check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way. If so, proceed, but still look to the right before joining
* watch out for vehicles already on the roundabout; be aware they may not be signalling correctly or at all
* look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off.
Signals and position, unless signs or markings indicate otherwise.
When taking the first exit
* signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
* keep to the left on the roundabout and continue signalling left to leave.
When taking any intermediate exit
* select the appropriate lane on approach to and on the roundabout, signalling as necessary
* stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
* signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
When taking the last exit or going full circle
* signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
* keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit the roundabout
* signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.
When there are more than three lanes at the entrance to a roundabout, use the most appropriate lane on approach and through it.
Now this is all pretty basic stuff taken from the highway code. But what really gets my back up is the lane discipline of some people. As I said, keep in your damn lane when you're going round!! Fair enough, when it's late and the roundabout is empty, treat it as you want, but if there is even one car on there close to you, drive on it properly.
Im sure Moe will vouch for this rant, as he has witnessed how bad people drive on the big roundabouts near me, and Im sure you all have experiences of people cutting you up on a roundabout!
I am going to try my damned best to make people realise what they doing, and sometimes that includes abuse after they have driven like retards on roundabouts.
Rant over, I hope you have enjoyed the read. But if not, I dont care! lol
