(COLORADO) – The anxiety of navigating roundabouts is common among new drivers or people who aren’t used to having a circular intersection design in their common commutes. With a little practice, they can become second nature. According to the Federal Highway Association, roundabouts are a proven safety measure because they can substantially reduce crashes in intersections.
In recognition of National Roundabouts Week (September 20-24, 2021), the Colorado State Patrol wants to share some tips to reduce the nerves for all motorists:
- Watch for a change of speed limit when approaching a roundabout; speeds will drop because going slower provides the driver with more time to make decisions and yield to other road users.
- Pay attention and select the lane for where you want to go after the roundabout. Signs and road markings will help.
- Be ready to yield. Drivers must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. You want to give large vehicles (buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles) space, and when you enter the roundabout be sure to stay in your marked lane.
“Traffic flows counterclockwise through roundabouts and speeds are intended to be slow,” stated Trooper Josh Lewis with the Colorado State Patrol. “Circular intersections are designed with safety in mind for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Crosswalks will be present and drivers need to stop to let people finish crossing safely.”
Because roundabouts require vehicles to yield and then navigate around a raised circular island, the possibility of an angle crash is significantly reduced. So, take a deep breath, a slow approach, and be ready to yield!
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.