According to the Montana Department of Transportation, there are a few easy rules to follow when you travel through traffic circles, rotaries, or roundabouts. Whatever you call them, keep these tips in mind:
- Approach in the right (outer) lane if you plan to turn right. Use the left (inner) lane if you plan to turn left or make a U-turn. Either lane is fine if you are going straight, unless signs say otherwise.
- As you approach, stay to the right of the splitter island and slow down to 10 to 15 mph.
- Watch for bicyclists and let them merge into the entry lane.
- Watch for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross.
- Yield to traffic already in the circle.
- Once you're in the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision. You have the right of way over entering traffic. Keep to the right of the central island and travel counterclockwise. Keep your speed down and do not pass other vehicles.
- Look for your street, use your right turn signal, and exit.
- As you exit, watch for and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
If an emergency vehicle comes up behind you as you approach a roundabout, pull over only if there is room for it to get by. If there isn't room, continue around and exit as normal, then pull to the right where the emergency vehicle can pass. Do not stop inside the roundabout.
With more roundabouts in the valley, it's important to remember how to navigate them safely, especially in hurried holiday traffic.