Navigating the roundabouts in Rockville, MD, can be a hair-raising experience, especially in rush hour traffic. The following easy guide will help you to navigate traffic circles like a pro.
Turning Right or Exiting at the First Exit
Using a traffic circle is all about using the correct lane to make it as easy and safe as possible to exit the circle. When you approach the traffic circle and want to turn right or leave the traffic circle at the first exit, switch on your right turn signal and slow down. If there is more than one lane, choose the right-hand lane to make it easy to exit the traffic circle. Keep your eyes peeled for cyclists and give them space to access the road in front of your car.
If pedestrians are waiting to cross or are on the crosswalks, they have the right of way. When the crosswalks are clear, you can now move forward to the yield line and wait until there is a safe gap to merge with the traffic. Continue to drive slowly in the right-hand lane. Just before you reach the exit you want to use, turn on your right turn signal so other drivers can see what your intention is. Keep your right turn signal on until you are safely out of the traffic circle.
Turning Left
This is just like turning right, just the other way around. When you see the traffic circle, slow down. Turn on your left turn signal and use the left-hand lane. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for cyclists and for pedestrians at the crosswalks. When it’s safe, merge with the traffic in the circle.
Avoid entering the circle next to a car that is already in the traffic circle. Drive slowly to your exit and keep a safe following distance. When you’ve passed the exit before the one where you want to turn, switch on your left turn signal and keep it on until you are out of the traffic circle.
Exiting Halfway
This is a bit different than turning left or right at the first exit. If there are two lanes, you can choose either of the two lanes. It isn’t going to make much of a difference if you exit halfway around the traffic circle. Drive slower and keep to the right of the island. Be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians, and give them the right of way. Wait at the yield line until you can safely merge with the traffic inside the circle.
If you’ve entered the traffic circle from the left lane, stay on the inside of the traffic circle. If you enter the traffic circle from the right lane, stay in the outside lane, and keep a safe following distance. When you see your exit, turn on your right turn signal and keep it on until you’ve safely exited the circle. If you are going to leave the circle from the inside lane, beware of other vehicles.
Tips
Always reduce your speed when you approach a traffic circle. If you choose the correct lane from the start, it will be much easier and safer to exit the circle. Keep a safe following distance and drive slowly. Beware of the other vehicles in the circle, and don’t overtake other cars. Always use your turn signals before you reach your exit to indicate to other drivers what your intentions are. You should never stop in a traffic circle unless it is to avoid a collision.
Follow the easy tips to glide stress-free through Maryland’s traffic circles. DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville has a fleet of cars, trucks, and SUVs that come with safety features such as Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist. Get to know these Toyota cars with our model research today! Click here for more helpful auto tips & tricks if you want to continue learning how to improve your driving experience in Rockville, MD!
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