Traffic circle etiquette reminder

Posted

A reader of The Reflector recently emailed the newspaper with a suggestion to remind area drivers about traffic circle etiquette.

Traffic circles, also known as roundabouts, as becoming much more common around Clark County, so a reminder about etiquette would seem to be appropriate.

Here’s a few tips offered by a community publication in Sunriver, OR:

  • Drivers inside the circle have the right-of-way over any vehicle attempting to enter a circle. Traffic always circulates counter-clockwise.
  • When there is no traffic or a safe gap, drivers entering a circle do not have to stop but should always slow down enough to safely stop if necessary.
  • Circles are not like four-way stops. You do not get a turn to go. You may only enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in traffic flow.
  • Always signal when exiting a circle.
  • Avoid stopping inside a circle or backing up – even if you miss your exit. Simply drive around the circle again until you reach your desired exit road.
  • In icy or inclement conditions, go slow enough to be able to stop safely at yield points and to control your vehicle through the circle’s curves.