Roundabout in Oshawa

Roundabouts

A roundabout is an intersection where traffic flows in a counter-clockwise direction around a central island to several exits onto the various intersecting roads. Roundabouts can improve road safety, manage increased traffic demand, and help improve air quality by eliminating unnecessary stops and idling.

Benefits of a roundabout

Simplify decision making, as drivers only need to look in one direction for oncoming traffic.
Reduce the number of conflict points and eliminate the most severe head-on and left-turn crashes at traditional intersections.
Reduce the severity of accidents due to lower speed.
Reduce vehicle delay by allowing motorists to YIELD rather than STOP.
Reduce fuel consumption by eliminating idling at a red light.
Eliminate operation and maintenance costs associated with traffic signals.

Use of a roundabout
Action	Safety considerations
Driving	Slow down when approaching the roundabout. Keep to the right of the splitter island. Be aware of your surroundings. Pedestrians go first. When entering or exiting a roundabout, yield to pedestrians at the crosswalk. Enter the roundabout when there is an adequate gap in the circulating traffic flow. Vehicles in a roundabout have the right of way and move in a counter clockwise direction. Do not pass vehicles or cyclists in the roundabout. Always signal before exiting. Maintain low speeds. Watch for cyclists crossing the road as you exit the roundabout. Give other vehicles plenty of space. The "truck apron" around the middle island is for large trucks when turning.
Cycling	Experienced cyclists can travel through the roundabout using the same general rules as driving a vehicle. Merge into traffic before entering the roundabout. Ride in the middle of the lane, so cars do not pass you. Do not hug the curb. Use hand signals and signal as if you were a motorist If you are not an experienced rider, consider dismounting and walking your bicycle on the sidewalk. Continue on the sidewalks, following the same rules as pedestrians.
Walking	Cross only at designated crosswalks. Vehicles always have the right-of-way in the roundabout. Choose a safe time to cross. Never cross to the central island of a roundabout. Step on the splitter island when crossing to cross one lane at a time safely. Look at the drivers - make eye contact. Start to cross as soon as you are sure that the driver intends to slow or stop.

Emergency vehicles

If you have not entered the roundabout, pull over to let the emergency vehicle pass.

If you are already inside the roundabout, do not stop. Instead, continue to your exit, then pull over to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.

Roundabouts

Benefits of a roundabout

Emergency vehicles

Resources