A modern roundabout is a circular,
unsignalized intersection where
entering traffic yields to motorists
circulating counterclockwise around a
central island. Presently, there are
three single and one double modern
roundabouts operating in Livingston
County.
The Road Commission has plans to
construct additional modern
roundabouts within Livingston County
over the next several years. Since
this alternative intersection is
relatively new to Michigan and many
drivers are unfamiliar with the "road
rules" of modern roundabouts, the
Livingston County Road Commission
hopes the following information will
assist the motoring public in
navigating a modern roundabout.
When approaching a
roundabout, slow down. For
multi-lane roundabouts, look for
roadside signs and pavement
markings to guide you into the
appropriate lane. It is important
that you be in the correct lane
prior to entering the roundabout.
Always stay to the
right of the splitter island
(either painted or raised).
Splitter islands are used to divide
directional traffic on the approach
to the roundabout.
Be cautious of pedestrians as you
approach the crosswalk.
As you approach
the yield line, look to your left
before entering the roundabout.
Vehicles within the roundabout have
the right-of-way. Enter the
roundabout and merge into the
traffic flow once an adequate gap
is available.
All movement within the roundabout
circulates counterclockwise. Never
turn left into the roundabout from
the yield line.
When traveling within the
roundabout, only stop to avoid a
collision. You have the
right-of-way over entering traffic.
When approaching the roundabout,
avoid traveling at a speed greater
than the posted advisory speed.
When circulating within a multilane
roundabout, avoid changing lanes.
Give special consideration to
trucks, trailers and other large
vehicles within a roundabout. Avoid
passing or driving adjacent to
larger vehicles within a
roundabout. Large vehicles need
more than one lane to circulate the
roundabout.
Sometimes you will encounter a
cyclist traveling within the
roundabout. Use caution, be
courteous, and share the road.
Continue
through the roundabout until you
reach your exit. Use your turn
signal when exiting.
As you exit the roundabout, be
aware of pedestrians crossing the
roadway.
If an emergency vehicle
approaches the roundabout...
Directly behind you just prior to
you entering the roundabout (single
lane approach); Enter the
roundabout and travel to your exit.
After exiting the roundabout,
immediately maneuver your vehicle
to the right side of the road to
allow the emergency vehicle to pass
you. Do not stop in the roundabout.
On another approach prior to you
entering the roundabout; Wait for
the emergency vehicle to enter and
exit the roundabout before
proceeding with your maneuver.
While you are circulating within
the roundabout; Exit the roundabout
and immediately maneuver your
vehicle to the right side of the
road to allow the emergency vehicle
to pass you. Do not stop in the
roundabout.
Images courtesy of Ken Sides
If you decide to enter the
roundabout, try to travel at or
near the same speed as motorists
within the roundabout, and ride in
the center of the lane as shown in
the left image. Upon exiting,
resume your trip within the bike
lane if one is present.
Guide signs provide drivers with
navigational information. There are
two types of guide signs you may
encounter when approaching a modern
roundabout:
Advanced Destination Guide Signs
These signs are typically placed in
advance of the intersection to
orient drivers with the layout of
the roundabout. Road names,
cardinal directions (north, south,
east, west), route markers, points
of destination, and general service
symbols may be found on these
signs.