Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to maximize safety, minimize delay and decrease fuel consumption. There are no traffic lights or stop signs at a roundabout.
Roundabouts offer communities a number of advantages compared to traditional intersections, including:
- Pollution reduction - Since there is a significant reduction in vehicle idling resulting in less gas is being burned into the atmosphere
- Reduced fuel consumption - In addition to emission reduction, fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 30 per cent
- Safety - All vehicles travel in the same direction, never crossing paths. This reduces the number of series crashes. Slower speeds also give drivers more time to react and make decisions.
- Community benefits - Roundabouts have the affect of calming traffic and speed in neighbourhoods
- Improved traffic flow - Roundabouts provide a 30 to 50 per cent increase in traffic capacity
Roundabouts can reduce injuries by 75 per cent and fatalities by 90 per cent.
Driving in a roundabout
Consider the following tips when you use Niagara's roundabouts:
- Slow down when approaching the roundabout
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists
- Keep to the right of the splitter island
- Enter the roundabout only when there is a gap in the traffic flow
- Vehicles in a roundabout always have the right-of-way and move in a counter clockwise direction
- Don't pass other vehicles or cyclists in the roundabout
- Always signal before exiting and maintain low speeds
Drivers should beware of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road as you exit the roundabout. Ensure you obey all posted signage at the intersection.
Large vehicles
If you enter a roundabout in a large truck, such as a transport truck, it's important for you to give other vehicles plenty of space.
Make use of the "truck apron" around the centre island when turning.
Emergency vehicles and roundabouts
If you haven't entered the roundabout: pull over and allow the emergency (police, fire or ambulance) vehicle to pass.
If you have entered the roundabout: Don't stop. Continue to your exit and then pull over and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
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