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Roundabout Driving Tips
The traffic impact analysys prepared for SFCC by Civil Transformations, Inc. of Albuquerque recommends the use of "modern roundabouts" to provide adequate levels of service to the users of Richards Avenue.
Roundabout Basics:
Roundabouts are intended to keep trafffic moving through and avoid the environmental and safety issues associated with stopping situations. Negotiating them can be confusing to new users. Here are some tips to help navigate roundabouts safely and efficiently:
- Yield to vehicles on the left that are already in the circle
- Don't stop if traffic on the left is clear
- Enter the circle when there is no traffic coming from the left
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists
- Use the outer lane to turn right or go straight
- Use the inner lane to turn left
MORE Straight Forward Roundabout Guidelines
Roundabout General Guidelines
• Slow down and prepare to yield as you approach the roundabout• You MUST yield to traffic already in the roundabout
• DO NOT STOP IN THE ROUNDABOUT
• If making a right or left turn – use your turn signal
• Be aware of pedestrians
Trucks and other Large Vehicles
• Roundabouts are designed to accommodate large trucks, buses and emergency vehicles• Large trucks may, when necessary, drive on the raised pavement area, called a truck apron, in the center of the roundabout. Usually only the rear wheels track on the apron.
• Cars should not use the raised truck apron
Emergency Vehicles
• Do NOT enter the roundabout when emergency vehicles are in the vicinity; pull to the side• Allow vehicles in the roundabout to clear in front of the emergency vehicle
• If in the roundabout, exit the roundabout and pull to the side
• DO NOT STOP IN THE ROUNDABOUT
Benefits of a Roundabout
• Roundabouts have fewer conflict points than other intersections• Fewer starts and stops reduce both fuel consumption and air pollution
• By yielding at an entry rather than stopping, the average delay is typically reduced
• During light traffic conditions, roundabouts cause almost no delay
• Islands in the roundabout provide an area for landscaping, providing an aesthetic element
-source New Mexico Department of Transportation, “Driving Roundabouts”
And don't forget that speeding on the loop endangers you and others. Thank you for taking the time to read and follow the above guidelines. Travel safe.
For more information, please contact Amy Tilley, Assistant to the Vice Presisdent of Finance and Administration, 505.428.1162, amy.tilley@sfcc.edu.