subject: Roundabout Safety [print this page] Roundabout Safety Roundabout Safety
Some drivers are nervous about driving around roundabouts, and deliberately go out of their way to avoid them, preferring routes that have lights and motorways. Even drivers who have a lot more experience deem roundabouts to be high risk, and feel uncomfortable as you cannot control what other people are doing.
The mistake with most people, and that causes the most accidents, is that people tend to look right to see what is coming around the roundabout, and not concentrate n the driver in front of them. The driver in front of you may be able to see something that is blocked from your vision, and therefore stop, causing you to plough into the back of them.
The best way to approach a roundabout is to start slowing down as far ahead as you can, look to your left and right, and check all your mirrors on the approach. By making sure that you are aware of the situations ahead, you are less likely to become involved in an accident. This avoids any rear end shunting, but also means that you can take the measure of a situation and keep an eye on other cars that are potentially coming round too quickly.
Don't forget that on the actual roundabout, the other drivers may not position themselves correctly, so be aware of cars swinging out and knocking you. A lorry or a bus for example will need lots of extra room. Indicate your intention so other road users know what you are doing, and catch the drivers eye if necessary to indicate your intention.
If you are driving on the roads in the UK, make sure that you have Car Insurance Cheap policies are available online.
