The Road Traffic Association of Asker and Bærum conducted a study to verify how many drivers correctly use their turn signals at roundabouts. The results are unfavorable for motorists - it turns out that only 31% of them do it the right way.
The roundabout is a normal intersection
According to Per Øgland of the Asker-Bærum Road Traffic Association, the roundabout should be viewed as a standard intersection. The only difference is that in its center there is an island around which you should move in a circular motion. As with classic intersections, use the left indicator when making a left turn and when turning around. However, the results of the research conducted by the Association are absolute for drivers - only 31% of them do this.
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Turn signals for safety
Per Øgland also believes that the correct use of indicators has a significant impact on the safety and smoothness of traffic. First of all, signaling the direction of traffic informs other drivers about our intentions. Thanks to this, cars coming from the opposite direction know whether they can enter the roundabout if we signal straight ahead.
Only 40% signal the exit from the roundabout
Signaling an intention to turn left is not the only use of a turn signal. When leaving the roundabout, this maneuver should be signaled with the right indicator. However, research shows that only 40% of drivers do this. On the other hand, more than half of the drivers, 56% to be exact, signal their intention to turn back.
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The results are all the more disappointing because 90% of drivers use their turn signals correctly in classic intersections without roundabouts.
How should you drive around roundabouts?
The association also published a graphic on how to correctly signal maneuvers at roundabouts. It is located below:
An expert from NAF - Morten Fransrud - informed NRK.no about the most important rules in force at intersections with circular traffic:
- if you are going to go right, turn on the right turn signal,
- if you intend to turn left or turn, turn on the left turn signal,
- if you are going to go straight, stay in the middle lane
- you signal every intention to exit the roundabout with the right turn signal.
Following these rules will make it easier for other road users to ride. Clear and timely signaling of their intentions gives information to other drivers whether they can enter traffic safely. This is crucial not only for security reasons. It is also of great importance for the smoothness of traffic.
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