How to use a roundabout

State of Michigan is installing rounadabouts to improve safety and reduce congestion in certain intersections. This video demonstrates the proper use of a roundabout, whether you are a motorist, bicyclist or pedestrian.

[@Mamo878]

Well done. Should be mandatory viewing in all areas in the US that install roundabouts.

[@AWatts]

You guys should really consider playing videos like this Secretary of State offices all over Michigan so people in the waiting area could learn how to use these correctly.

[@Joshua79C]

You Mean DMV, its a lesson in all New England driving instruction manuals as I am from MA and knew how to use them since i could see them when the parents drove through them while showing me (and my younger siblings) how to use them properly. Its the aggressive drivers who make me mad when they misuse them. Nervous or misinformed drivers I help assist when I can.

[@WhoYouDrew]

Joshua79C C In Michigan DMV is SOS (Secretary of State). Google Michigan DMV, kinda weird but we're used to it here.

[@crimsonbrother]

Its not a DMV in Michigan...

[@yearginclarke]

@@Joshua79C The problem there is if there are no roundabouts in the area you frequent. (which is my case) For people like me, when you finally do encounter one, you are usually not gonna be expecting it. Many years had passed between when I took Driver's Ed and my first encounter with a roundabout. (11 years to be exact) At the time of my first roundabout encounter I had completely forgotten how they work and it was confusing. And I can see the same type of confusion happening to other people like me, which can easily lead to an accident. So my whole point here is that there needs to be more of an effort into keeping the public aware of how roundabouts work, like say posters/videos in appropriate public places that remind you how they work. (gas stations, rest areas, etc.) Everyone is supposed to learn about roundabouts in Driver's Ed, but if you never actually encounter one in real life it's very easy to forget about how they work. They are so rare in my particular area that I had completely forgotten that they even exist until I came upon one unexpectedly.

[@kelleyhice]

Roundabouts are great at night when no traffic. Avoids getting stuck at a light when no one is around. Most people have difficulty because they are accustomed to looking straight ahead and accelerating when entering an intersection because that's where they're going. Instead keep your "head on a swivel". Look left to check for traffic then back in the direction you are traveling then left again as you enter then straight ahead again. The best design is when the center has plants or signs that block your straight ahead view forcing you to slow down and look left instead of only focusing on where you are going.

[@maxshadow...]

Now that I use a round-a-bout every day...I love them. It's the people that are uneducated about the rules of them that make me nervous.

[@im1greatman]

Finally some common sense to road safety. Roundabouts are the best intersection design yet!

[@robertchester2378]

What about picking a lane before entering? Or use of directionals when entering and exiting? Or what (not) to do with emergency response vehicles? Or how to use the left vs right lanes? Woefully short on important information. I see too many drivers clearly uncertain about what to do in roundabouts.

[@PSYk1ll4h]

especially if there's no lane markings. like when you're in the inside lane and cars won't let you switch into the lane you need to cross over and turn off.

[@Joshua79C]

There is another few videos explaining it further, use the recommendation or rather Up Next videos on the right of this one. You can change lanes inside but use your directional to do so and when exiting but not to enter unless wanting to change lane to inside one. Must be in a lane marked for your exit if more than two lanes wide when exiting, so if you got in the center lane you should get to the center or right-outer lane. At least for lane change and exiting. If you miss your exit, go around again, do not stop or you will make others daily drive a miserable one. As for emergency vehicles you just stay on route you intend then once you exit and at least forty feet past the exit to pull aside to let them by. Now if a tractor trailer or other combo vehicle with trailer is using, you give them room on the inner lane for the trailer to move its wide end on the sharp turn. If you already have not found lessons and learned.

[@hancowman7622]

The beauty is that there is no Lane change going into a roundabout. unless you're one of those nervous crazy drivers? It took me awhile to get it to. Right lane means right center lane means straight left means left.

[@chasepearson894]

I'm in Louisiana but every time I yield for other cars I get honked at. I'm a NEW driver and round abouts are the hardest things ever

[@wschmrdr]

To heck with them. They can wait. Get into the rotary safely.

[@galy50]

Don't mind thoz who honk at you

[@evilemoji420]

ever since learning how they work plus having them installed in my city i must say they are so much easier on my time and gas mileage than a 4 way stop

[@BrandonOsborn404]

Many Ann Arbor drivers don't seem to know how to use these, and they create very dangerous situations for themselves and others, especially bicyclists, like me.

[@Joshua79C]

You can if you are able to go the speed limit or fast enough close to it, can use the rotary itself, otherwise walk your bike or use it in the walkways and crosswalks.

[@mboaz4730]

The United States didn't educate any of the older drivers about them, just started building them everywhere! I had to go to the State building and ask for a copy of the new drivers education test, because these things didn't exist when I went through driver's ed. And I STILL don't get it, because people who DON'T know what the rules are just fling themselves through on a prayer, and don't yield for anyone. I avoid them because I have nearly been killed three times at these.

[@williamaaronkelly7485]

We have these in Indiana, but I'd take a roundabout over those ridiculous peanuts or figure 8 contraptions. But I really like the catchy music in the background. It's so conducive to learning.

[@Joshua79C]

Figure by that I take you mean diamond interchange or double traffic circles.

[@Asteconn]

As long as the drivers remember to yield to the left, they work very well.

[@95BWG]

If built large enough, it is possible to keep a decent speed through it and really have good traffic flow. In Europe we have them everywhere, on the countryside and in town, and they work just fine here!

[@Joshua79C]

Unless they were too small diameter for any trailer vehicles to safely pass through it, have come across two of these.

[@Reggie2000]

Know what works just fine at any size? Normal stop light intersections.

[@scottmbatson]

Large diameters are unsafe. Speeds too high prevent others from entering.

[@scottmbatson]

@@Joshua79C Modern roundabouts have truck aprons for trailers to track over.

[@scottmbatson]

@@Reggie2000 Signals are proven less safe. Roundabouts reduce the risk of a fatal crash by over 75% compared to signals.

[@1997Lucske1997]

To me this is just hard to realise. The fact that America is finally now introducing roundabouts now. I just got my drivers license in November here in the Netherlands, and they are here already for a very long time. They were even here before I was born, I just can't see a life without them. :P

[@peterpiper7441]

+Aegion The US is a bit behind the times in certain areas, as you may have noticed.

[@1997Lucske1997]

But you're ahead on certain things too, pro's and con's haha.

[@peterpiper7441]

Aegion yes, true. further ahead in developing technology. But you'd be surprised at how backwards some areas of the country are.

[@1997Lucske1997]

I can imagine, yeah. We've got TV's in the Netherlands ;)

[@peterpiper7441]

Aegion TVs in the Netherlands? Wow, when did you get those?

[@sm01845]

we have these all over Massachusetts, they work great, moves traffic nicely.

[@Joshua79C]

Yeah so long as an impatient or nervous driver does not muck it up for those who know how to properly use it or share it.

[@robertknight4672]

In Massachusetts sometimes u have to to merge safely on the round about. Many of ours are also highway overpasses so you need to slowly edge out, to see over the guardrail. Just slowing down won't cut it. Our round about also gave pedestrian crossings. Obviously there are cases when it's ok to stop.

[@Joshua79C]

I got no problem stopping to let the misinformed get a hold and I help out when I can assist them to get them through, its the aggressive (speeding or impatient/self important) drivers I hate.

[@audigex]

They are literally all over the UK - we use them on junctions of 60/70mph with absolutely no issues (in fact, if a conventional Stop or Give Way (equivalent to your Yield) junction is dangerous, it is often replaced with a roundabout. They work extremely well for all but the heaviest traffic volumes, and automatically balance the priority of the volumes of the different roads (ie more cars from the busier road will be able to use the roundabout).

[@Joshua79C]

Our govt is not as forgiving on speed and thus you go as posted by design and rules. We have had them in parts of New England since longer than I so far have lived for 37 years.

[@alansmilealot]

Good stuff, pretty simple stuff but i hope ypu guys are advertising this on local television because Merica

[@MeMyselfAndUs903]

Please provide a video on roundabouts that are all along Baldwin north of I-75 in Oakland County. You may want to consider posting on Nextdoor.

[@autocrow]

These are new here in WA. People like to go through them as fast as possible like they speed up when they get to one. They also make sure NOT to leave any gap. I've also had cars try to cut in waay too close as if they had the right of way entering. That's why I came here. To find out. You DO NOT yield to cars entering as some seem to believe. A new and unfamiliar one has led me to go the wrong way. You have to think fast when in one. I can see the advantage, but like someone else said not everyone does them right.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Todd, the video simply recommends that bicyclists using the sidewalk walk their bike through a crosswalk for safety. That's why it says "should" and not "are required to." As far as walking at a roundabout that may not have sidewalks or crosswalks, just use common sense and cross when it is safe to do so.

[@hauskalainen]

OK. So 5 months have now passed. How has the traffic in Rochester adapted to the new roundabout / rotary? Is it easier to use the junction? Does it run smoother? Were there lights there previously? Has te wait time increased or decreased? Have accidents decreased or increased?

[@kathyslinn]

I indicate my intention to exit a round-about by using my turn signal.

[@johnbenton4488]

Roundabouts are very simple. All you have to remember it (US) give priority to the left. and UK priority to the right. It's easy and (should be) foolproof.

[@Joshua79C]

So long as an aggressive or nervous/misunderstanding driver mucks it up, I feel for the nervous ones, but hate the aggressive ones who get into an incident with another who knows the rules of how to use it. I got your parenthesis, I am just stating my peeves.

[@mrbrainbob5320]

John Benton why is the UK important

[@houghton841]

Because they invented the rules of yielding to traffic on a roundabout and implemented them in 1966. They also use them extensively and some of the evidence for the advantages they provide come from the U.K.

[@mrbrainbob5320]

Freya Wyrd I meant in this video this only talks about Michigan so the theres no need to include the UK

[@moses381]

but what if your in the right lane and someone from the left crosses you to get into there exit while your heading to yours?

[@ahmedaj2000]

thanks!

[@melinuxf00l]

Also. If you are making a left or u-turn (still going counter-clockwise around the island, of course), you should let drivers know this with a left signal before you enter the roundabout, and switch over to the right signal when you're exit is coming up. This is especially helpful in multi-lane roundabouts, as people to your right wanting to get off at the same exit as you now know they can pull in beside you. In other words, it makes the roundabout more efficient.

[@Joshua79C]

If a two or more lane you get in the center signaling like normal then halfway round you get into the or a right lane to exit still using a signal but the right turn to change lane and exit, as explained in longer versions covering all bases of use for all users and designs. I live in MA and other parts of New England where few of them have been around for many decades, longer than I have been alive.

[@poikaa3]

Roundabouts work but if not designed for the location they can be dangerous! Too small or overly complicated make for the danger!

[@Joshua79C]

I came upon two outside of my home region that were too small and poorly designed that a tractor trailer let alone fifth wheeler or gooseneck that is too long for it could not go around them conveniently or safely due to the deign and construction.

[@kerabatsos_9015]

===to be continued==>

[@LishaArlene]

This should be seen by everyone. I now have to share this video 🙄

[@ajewell82]

There’s a lot of confusion about the rules for passing while IN a roundabout. I thought it was illegal, but since the lines are slotted not solid, everyone in the U.P. is arguing that it’s okay to pass. And thanks to that, I almost got side-swiped!! So what’s the official rule?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi there! Pretty much everywhere roundabouts are discussed, it's always hammered home that drivers should be in the correct lane before entering a multi-lane roundabout. For specific traffic law, inlcuding for this question, we recommend contacting Michigan State Police or your local law enforcement.

[@abdulaziz-ud4vd]

nice thanks

[@neosho53059]

You know they are popping up here in wi also but As much as I hate them it's better than a 4 way stop

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

I couldn't believe how many there were in the Green Bay area.

[@kaziklubey7098]

you'll get used to it. It just sucks because most of you Americans don't know the rules yet. will maybe take a couple of years... once the old generation is off the road it will improve greatly. i would be careful in a US roundabout too. But if drivers learn this when doing their license believe me it's a great system. I drove a lot in the US (entire west and entire east coast) and fuck those cross sections are pure cancer. so much time wasted. It's incredible how much time you sit in traffic in LA for example just waiting that that light turns green.

[@kaziklubey7098]

it's like the thing you guys have: in some states you can turn right on a red light.... was kind of confusing the first time i got honked at like crazy LOL. what's really nice about US roads though is how much space you guys have... really comfy driving

[@Igor-ug1uo]

Looks like it's 14 Mile and Farmington

[@edwardmiessner6502]

1:02 The truck changed lanes inside the roundabout.

[@d1oftwins]

Yes, because he is a fatty and needs the space. Hence why you shouldn't overtake trucks inside the roundabout even if you thing the radius should be wide enough. A wrong assumption for the need of space of a big truck is disproved quickly by dents or worse in your car. On tight corners (not roundabouts), when trucks have 2 lanes in their direction and want to go right, they are indicating first left and then indicate right to claim space because they need it, so they take and block 2 lanes so nobody can dangerously pass them and then take a big radius to the right. As a four wheeler you should watch out for those fatties, drive with foresight and yield enough space when you think trucks need them. And for the love of whatever you believe in don't cut in front of a truck, trucks are not cars, they are heavy and cannot stop on a dime, contrary to the believes of many stupid people willingly or unknowingly brake checking trucks. TL;DR: What I am trying to say is, that trucks are a different breed and you should interact with trucks differently.

[@joeyoungs8426]

I've used roundabouts abroad and feel the execution here is bit more structured and its their use by drivers here that reduce their efficiency. Such as the driver that disregards the lane markings and drives on the tangents unwittingly cutting people off they're sharing the roundabout with. While the roundabouts in the UK are a bit more freeform or rogue if you will, everyone there understands the rules and they felt more efficient. Most discouraging was the video's complete lack of mentioning signal usage when approacing and through the roundabout. I've seen people turning left get cutoff by cars either going straight or turning right because they weren't indicating their intention to go left. Of course using a signal doesn't mean much if the other drivers simply don't care or are too busy tracking their social media accounts on their phones.

[@houghton841]

Agreed, making correct signals makes using roundabouts so much easier for everyone.

[@thesnare100]

they look more confusing to me, even though I hear they safer than rotaries. It's just If I entered from the bottom right 2 lanes, I wouldn't know what lane to be in if I wanted to turn into the left top exit, if I entered from the bottom right lane, I couldn't cross over into the three top lanes, but I wouldn't know unless I was familiar with the layout already.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Snare, there are signs placed well in advance of a roundabout with multiple lanes telling drivers which lane to be in when entering the roundabout so they'll be in the proper lane to exit to their destination.

[@jelswor]

This is missing one important detail, you must use your turn signals to indicate you are exiting from the roundabout!

[@Carl-LaFong1618]

wasn't there a recent court ruling that said that was NOT required? Although, I agree a signal should be used when exiting.

[@peterpiper7441]

Way to go Michigan. Only about 50 years late on this, but better late than never.

[@Joshua79C]

Yup, better late than not at all. Of course it does often take time in order to get the space required, thus waiting for a house or two to four to move out to make room for the design. They have to take into consideration tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles and other trailer vehicles.

[@LeesaDeAndrea]

Hmmm. I think I will just avoid them. If someone gets confused on one of these, it'll be a real mess. I prefer to avoid messes.

[@manuelgarciacastro8334]

Mi más sincera felicitación. Esta es la forma de señalizar las glorietas. Porque el sempiterno lío de las glorietas trae causa de dos clamorosos errores: por un lado, el diseño de carriles circulares, que no tienen principio ni fin y, además, no conducen a ninguna parte. Por otro, ante la carencia de una norma ad hoc que regule su utilización, aplicar, por analogía, la genérica que regula la utilización de carriles, y no hacerlo conjuntamente con la que regula las intersecciones. Porque, si así fuera, a nadie, ni siquiera a la DGT, se le ocurriría colocarse a la derecha para tomar la vía de la izquierda, y así, no solo se le ocurre, sino que bendice semejante desatino. ¿Y cómo se puede revertir ese error? Muy sencillo: olvidándose de los carriles circulares y diseñándolos longitudinales (como estos) de forma que canalicen el tráfico desde el centro de la glorieta hasta la salida de la misma, porque es ahí donde están los líos. Lo que no se debe hacer es pintar los carriles desde el principio de la glorieta (como en algunos lugares), porque eso desnaturaliza la esencia de la misma. El conductor tiene la sensación de que circula por un carril protegido y descuida su atención. ¿Y por qué no se hace? Porque eso sería tanto como admitir que los ingenieros están equivocados, y no están dispuestos a ello.

[@MichiganDOT]

¡Gracias por mirar nuestro video y por las amables palabras, Manuel! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Google translation of Manuel's original comment: My most sincere congratulations. This is the way to mark the roundabouts. Because the everlasting mess of the roundabouts brings cause of two clamorous errors: on the one hand, the design of circular lanes, which have no beginning or end and, furthermore, do not lead anywhere. On the other, in the absence of an ad hoc rule to regulate their use, apply, by analogy, the generic that regulates the use of lanes, and not do so together with the one that regulates intersections. Because, if that were the case, no one, not even the DGT, would think of taking the right to take the left-hand route, and so, not only does it occur to him, but he also blesses such a blunder. And how can that error be reversed? Very simple: forgetting the circular lanes and designing them longitudinal (like these) so that they channel traffic from the center of the roundabout to the exit of it, because that's where the messes are. What you should not do is paint the lanes from the beginning of the gazebo (as in some places), because that denatures the essence of it. The driver feels that he is driving in a protected lane and neglects his attention. And why is not it done? Because that would be as much as admitting that engineers are wrong, and not willing to do so.

[@danielr.schafer9504]

No abla.... translation?!

[@MichiganDOT]

@@danielr.schafer9504 Hi Daniel, we provided a translation of Manuel's comment in our response to him, which you can hopefully see above.

[@rexpimplemyer3839]

Nice presentation, but I must take issue with the statement at 2:36 where bicyclists are told to occupy the center of the lane for visibility. I'm pretty sure they should follow the advice from the motorcyclists handbook and remain on either the left or right tire track to reduce the possibility of sliding on grease/oil that may be present in the center. Maybe an update in the dialog is necessary?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Rex, bicyclists can certainly do just that if they feel more comfortable. Taking the center of the lane provides more visibility and helps discourage motor vehicle drivers from overtaking and trying to pass bicyclists in a roundabout, which wouldn't very safe.

[@emmathenotcool1632]

So no signals are needed in the State of Michigan roundabouts?

[@Joshua79C]

In MA where they have been around for many decades and I am 37, been few around still to this day since before I was born, so easy to use and none use a signal unless enough aggressive drivers cause enough incidents to get lights installed. Which has not still happened yet.

[@petertalbot5303]

michigan drivers don't need turn signals, it seems, they're king of the road

[@petertalbot5303]

no mention of using turn signials!!! This is an intersection - why do we have to guess where trafiic is going, especially those vehicles taking third exit (LEFT)!

[@lukasmax6984]

you actually cannot collide with anyone as long as you use the lanes correctly as shown by direction arrows

[@angrymusic6489]

WRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@WesternSouthDakotaRailfan2006]

Vedkrein chill the freak out

[@LeesaDeAndrea]

Do all roundabouts flow in a counter-clockwise direction?

[@MichiganDOT]

In Michigan they do.

[@FranziskaNagel445]

In countries where you drive on the right roundabouts flow always counter-clockwise. In left driving countries clockwise.

[@revinhatol]

We Filipinos called them 'rotundas'.

[@therealdutchidiot]

So, you took a roundabout and kept smashing it so hard it was no longer even a safe roundabout. Great job Murica.

[@melinuxf00l]

No mention of turn signals, eh? It's always a good idea to let your fellow drivers know what you intend to do, even more so at roundabouts. When you are leaving the roundabout, this is a right turn and requires a right signal. Use common sense as to when you activate it. You don't want people to think you're getting off earlier than you are; they may cut in front of you. Too late and it doesn't do any good.

[@RobBCactive]

What's the chances of traffic actually giving way to pedestrians on the cross walks? I never saw crossings like that respected outside the UK. In UK where roundabouts are common, 2 lanes are crossable, but 3 normally requires lights, bridge or subway.

[@Joshua79C]

Some are designed as shown others forgo them being so close in proximity to the roundabout, but those close as safe as possible still have issues with many not stopping due to speed of use or some other reason or another. But there are those who pay attention and stop to let those using it cross safely. None of them have crosswalk designed right next to and along the rotary for safety reasons. We have had at least a few for 40+ years in New England and as I said a few put the sidewalks further back from or do not otherwise exist such as for example SR 5 and 57 in Agawam MA and interstate level rotaries.

[@OleOlson]

You build a roundabout once, or have to pay $200,000 for lights that stop traffic and need to be replaced every 5-10 years. Your choice America!

[@peterpiper7441]

+Ole Olson Those are pretty expensive traffic lights. They should source them from China or the Philippines.

[@DarkfeltFoE]

+Ole Olson $200,000? Which lights have you seen replaced this often? I see lights in my town from the 1970's. What a ridiculous notion. Look it up, they don't cost a 10th of what you are claiming.

[@peterpiper7441]

Darkfelt FoE I didn't believe it either (indeed my home town features lights installed in the 1960s), but various reliable news sources say that nowadays it costs this much and more. Here is a new traffic light being installed for $450,000. www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/450000_traffic_light_cost_eyed.html There are also a few freedom of information requests online that shows that it is in the multiple hundred thousand dollar range to install a new traffic signal.

[@Joshua79C]

Before i knew their cost, I assumed all used the same design for the equipment, but with newer smart tech they shot up and each requires some differences.

[@rwdplz1]

This is Michigan. It'll have to be rebuilt every 5 years at a cost of ~$500,000 a year, and be closed for several months in the process.

[@kayrinas9756]

I don't think they are necessary for Larkin Township.

[@jamiereid40]

Why do we need them o hay that right we all on earth need to be the same

[@cgdroch]

these are the craziest things i've ever seen, maybe for slower traffic ok maybe, but I live next to a busy interception in Rochester MN. Over the last few years we have had many accidents here but they put this in! the average speed on our road is 50-65mph with many trucks and busses on it every day. it opens up this friday. Does anyone have any feedback on these? I have seen these in a under 30mph situations but never in a busy intersection with upcoming snow. they should keep these in town.

[@Joshua79C]

We got one that is highway or close to highway speed on a route in Agawam, MA which connects Route 5 and 57 since before I was born 37 years ago has a 45 mph speed limit due to a hill at one entryway, but is large enough that all traffic that use it can do so with little to no issue. There are numerous homes near it. www. google .com/maps/place/42%C2%B003'00.0%22N+72%C2%B035'00.0%22W/@42.0825189,-72.5918725,14.5z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d42.05!4d-72.583333?hl=en

[@datdrummyboi8808]

To be continued...

[@scorpionad]

3 of the 5 highest accident intersections in Michigan are roundabouts... Maybe, they just don't work

[@MichiganDOT]

We'll certainly continue our educational outreach along with partners in law enforcement (State Police) and drive education (Secretary of State).

[@kaaytie84]

you are showing a large round about . most I see are so tiny . I love to see how fast I can go around one. kinda like nascar on a road course. I hate these they are being but up in some of the dumbest areas where I live.

[@yay78900]

Make bridges for bikes and pedestrians

[@Joshua79C]

They often have crosswalks a good distance from the entry/exit for pedestrians and cyclists. Another video for Michigan folks is longer and explains further situations such as if you are a fast enough cyclist if not same speed as a car you can use it like a vehicle otherwise stick to walking your bike in the crosswalks.

[@bobjohnson2920]

The one @ Lee Rd in Brighton Michigan is probably the worst designed roundabout on the planet! 2 very small circles on the west side of US 23 what were they thinking! Add snow to the mix and it gets even more interesting.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Bob, you can provide feedback on these roundabouts to the Livingston County Road Commission at 517-546-4250 ; those fall under their jurisdiction. The road commission reports an overall 36% reduction in crashes in that area based on data from the previous 12 years: www.livingstondaily.com/story/news/local/community/green-oak-township/2019/01/03/lee-road-whitmore-lake-roundabout-revamp-crashes-livingston-county/2302543002/

[@boboutelama5748]

Isn't this too complicated for american peoples ? We are speaking of the country where you must precise that a dog can't be dried in your microwave.

[@WesternSouthDakotaRailfan2006]

Roundabout kinda confused

[@Monglomon]

i ... would not ride my bike in the middle of a lane i can tell you that much

[@69adrummer]

YOU FORGOT SIGNAL *RIGHT* AS YOU ARE EXITING!!

[@MichiganDOT]

Indeed, drivers should observe all the normal rules of the road when traveling through a roundabout, including using their turn signals.

[@bryanwhittle77]

Now show how to use the roundabout in rush hour traffic

[@rwdplz1]

'Improve safety' I've almost been T-boned TWICE at the roundabout on 72 in Traverse City!

[@MichiganDOT]

Glad to hear you're OK! As long as drivers follow the yield signs present things should run smoothly in the roundabout. We'll keep at it with our educational efforts. Thanks for following MDOT.

[@scottmbatson]

'Almost' as in 'not'? Thank the engineers.

[@namename5448]

a bus is large Vehicle.

[@kayluvsgames]

wassup

[@bernardfinucane2061]

Welcome to the 20th century. Hope you don't feel too disoriented by all this new fangled stuff.

[@jacobvanderkooy2332]

thats how you use it, and ur suppose to move over a lane when other ppl are comin in, its a round about so you have to go around, even if ur forced to do so once or twice the main point is u didnt have to stop, but the video says u should stop not yield

[@Joshua79C]

Most i have used and we have had them for more than I live so far at 37 years old in MA and other parts of New England and they have you Yield, but I stop if I see an aggressive driver using or about to use it and help out those having trouble using it due to nerves or no prior training or instruction via video.

[@namename5448]

How about a bus

[@MichiganDOT]

Roundabouts are designed to accommodate buses as well.

[@ss_whole]

Will never work in the U.S., we're WAY to stupid to navigate these things.

[@mister3horn153]

Thats why I looked up the video.

[@russsyracuse8143]

+Super Kyle Too many are too stupid to use a four way stop! Much less a roundabout!

[@Joshua79C]

I am from MA and we got at leas 3 as we call them Rotary/Rotaries or roundabout as most call them or traffic circle as some others call them as well. They are easiest to navigate so long as some idiot does not think they are more inportant or speed thorough or do not yield as the sign is there says for existing flow. Its those type of idiot drivers who cause accidents and unnecessary traffic. Much better otherwise in four or three ways with medium to high traffic with lights or stop signs.

[@AnthonyBrusca]

Joshua79C Actually Rotaries, Traffic Circles, and Roundabouts are 3 completely different types of intersections.

[@RichardHartl]

@@grievuspwn4g3 that defeats the whole purpose of traffic flow and efficiency. I drove in England from London almost to Wales. I saw one stop sign the whole time and I found it so refreshing and efficient. Stop signs everywhere dulls your awareness and prevents all drivers from thinking for themselves. Totally for roundabouts. Ontario is starting to get more of them especially Southwest

[@rebturtle]

Pedestrians are not allowed in the (big grassy park at the) center of a roundabout - lol

[@MichiganDOT]

Just a helpful reminder for folks.

[@jaeryan0724]

The idea is not to stop, the maximum speed inside the "round about" aka rotary is 25mph. If people did that or less there would be no need to stop. But Michigan drivers are clueless for the most part.

[@BPEntertainment1]

So this is a roundabout.

[@rds7516]

There's litteraly nothing difficult about this.

[@mboaz4730]

I can't use these things, have to avoid them, but I fear that they are going to install them everywhere so they don't have to pay for stoplights. I will just have to stop driving if that happens. I asked for a copy of the rules for my state for these horrible things, and no one follows those rules. So it is just, fling yourself into it and hope that no one hits you. And if you stop or slow before entering one, God help you, because the cars behind you will run you down. Evidently no one believes that you give right of way to those already in the circle.

[@MichiganDOT]

We'll definitely keep working to educate the public on how to drive a roundabout, M! Here's some more info on roundabouts www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_RoundaboutBrochure_465165_7.pdf. While more roundabouts are being installed nationwide, they are only installed in areas where they are warranted and will provide improvements and added safety to the intersection.

[@jacobvanderkooy2332]

i love how it says Yield and all the cars are stopped, thats how they work around my city, its a-round-and-stop, and no one moved a lane when the ppl are waiting, this is not how its done

[@ABRAHAMLINCOLN-mb8ry]

this is obviously not in the UK the animation because there would be cars stuck inside a white van they never give way from the right LOL

[@Racer57]

People don't know what yield means, yield doesn't mean stop. You should never stop at a roundabout, you blend in with traffic.

[@peterpiper7441]

+MrSnowrocks Yield means, merge if safe to do so, otherwise stop.

[@russsyracuse8143]

+MrSnowrocks Traffic won't let you.

[@peterpiper7441]

In a Roundabout, you yield (ie give way) to traffic already in the roundabout. 'Yield' means: "Slow down, give way to oncoming or intersecting traffic, *stop if necessary*, proceed when safe" So that business about "you should never stop at a roundabout" is unfortunately completely wrong. If people don't stop when necessary they will definitely collide with someone before too long.

[@rckoegel]

+MrSnowrocks yield can require a stop, it depends on your timing, or what is in your path. It's just that the requirement to stop isn't present unless necessary to travel through safely. If you fail to stop, or yield in the necessary fashion, and you cause an accident, that's on you... not the driver or ped that has the right of way.

[@peterpiper7441]

Rue Koegel But I wouldn't want to be the pedestrian in that case. It's better to yield the right of way, even when the driver is in the wrong, then end up dead.

[@robox91]

lol

[@ToddScott]

No bicyclists do not need to walk their bike in a crosswalk. And where's the explanation on how pedestrians use MDOT-built roundabouts that have no sidewalks or crosswalks?

[@Joshua79C]

Most all I used and I am from MA and they been around longer than 40 years here, have crosswalks for cyclist who can not keep pace and pedestrians, and its up to the person to walk their bike across or ride it but must wait for traffic to give way. Some retract their sidewalks and crossing further away depending on master plan of said town or city it is located.

[@spiceforspice3461]

go straight through the middle

[@lizzy792]

Wot

[@MotownCountry]

roundabouts will be useless once autonomous cars take precedence. you wouldn't have to worry about congestion...because at the lights, the cars would then take off at a proper time. how about you focus on getting people to properly use the on/off ramps of freeways?

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Motown, what are some of the issues you'd like addressed about driver behavior at on and off ramps? We can definitely look into highlighting that if possible. Thanks!

[@MotownCountry]

nearly everyone i've followed goes up the ramp at 40-50 mph. all the way up. they don't accelerate to 70...or whatever the general flow of cars that are already on the freeway. sometimes, at the top of the ramp, they stop or slow down--especially if they see a cop at the top. they certainly don't merge in with the faster traffic properly.

[@losh330]

You don't need to yield that severely.

[@pedropinheiroaugusto3220]

America, welcome to the 1970's.

[@blueyzblue6391]

These things are just accidents waiting to happen. They're like the 'Common Core' of driving. Why complicate things?

[@peterpiper7441]

+blueyzblue A number of studies show that they are actually safer, reducing accidents by about 75%. But one problem is introducing them in places people have not been taught what to do when they approach one.

[@blueyzblue6391]

Peter Piper Studies, schmudies...do you believe everything your government tries to tell you is good for you? Time to wake up, Mr. Piper.

[@peterpiper7441]

blueyzblue No I don't. Why should I? But independent studies all over the world have confirmed that roundabouts are generally safer than traditional traffic light intersections. I have already commented on several drawbacks of roundabouts. I also noted that in the US they have been introduced without any public education campaign about how to use them, resulting in mass confusion about what to do when you reach one, with many people doing the wrong thing and believing they are some kind of four-way stop. ~An additional problem is that roundabouts cease to work well when there is heavy traffic, resulting in traffic lights being re-introduced.

[@blueyzblue6391]

Well, I thought that was the whole point of making the change to roundabouts...to keep the flow of traffic moving consistently and more efficiently thru BUSY intersections (thus avoiding heavy traffic backups). So, if they/we already know that roundabouts don't work well in heavy traffic situations, what is the point again? Sounds like a lot of circular thinking going on there (no pun intended.)

[@peterpiper7441]

blueyzblue Overall the experience driving in an area with roundabouts is better and more free-flowing, but in heavy traffic they work less well and you sometimes have to wait for a small break in traffic and then gun it to get out into the roundabout. There are places where traffic is heavy enough that they end up having to put in traffic lights on the roundabout. Also consider the savings in fuel and pollution from not having a string of cars idling, plus wear and tear on your brakes everytime you have to stop for a red light.

[@mrgreenboy644]

Why are there so many Jojo references in this comment section

[@notpajama]

Instructions not clear, I crashed

[@MichiganDOT]

Real sorry to hear about that, Pajamas. Hope you're OK. What exactly happened in the crash?

[@melofacertainage]

I HATE ROUNDABOUTS!!!!!!

[@Summitspeedfly]

Then you need to learn how to drive !!!!!

[@edwardmiessner6502]

This sample roundabout is poorly designed - it has inadequate lane markings at the entrance roads and worse, three-lane entries and exits. This will make for confusion and numerous fender-bender accidents. And if it exists in real life, it will soon need traffic lights. Note to Michigan DOT: in the UK they have something called a spiral roundabout. When you enter one, each lane on the entrance road is clearly marked with the destination it will lead to. You pick the lane you want, and you just follow it to your desired exit. Of course, many of these roundabouts have traffic lights.

[@scottweible]

Idiocy. You’ll notice that the only exemplars used are those with traffic at the lowest conceivable rate. Try navigating a round-a-bout at rush hour, and you’ll see why everyone in every city which uses them extensively, Washington, D.C., Paris, London, hates them. They are nothing buy mayhem in rush hour.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Scott, MDOT doesn't place roundabouts just anywhere. Careful analysis of traffic counts and crash patterns are taken into consideration when determining any type of intersection configuration, including roundabouts.

[@creatingmemories6092]

I can't stand them!

[@danethanor]

what a waste of space and logic

[@MichiganDOT]

We've had pretty good results with roundabouts, much like other cities, states, and countries.

[@j1thom]

If it is indeed logic, how can it be wasted?

[@lindalyte354]

Not a fan of roundabouts, don't know why they were ever implemented!!

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Linda, Roundabouts have been proven to safely decrease traffic delays and congestion. When selected and designed correctly, roundabouts can handle a high volume of traffic, including commercial trucks and large emergency vehicles. Roundabouts can cost less than traditional signalized intersections. More info: www.mi.gov/roundabouts

[@ladywoodelf]

Nope. Death circles. People are just too used to stop and go traffic lights in our society. Changing lanes and go fast fast faster. I'm just fine with these but people come either zoom through these or come to complete stops before entering the open circle. This is a bad idea.

[@MichiganDOT]

We'll certainly continue to work with our partners at the Michigan Secretary of State office and Michigan State Police in our efforts to educate people on the proper way to drive through a roundabout, Ladywoodelf. Thanks for watching!

[@albear972]

I'm glad I don't live in this State of Michigan. These things don't belong anywhere in the U.S. This is just a way for cheap states to save money on maintenance for traffic management devices.

[@MichiganDOT]

Hi Albear, indeed, roundabouts can cost less than traditional signalized intersections. They have been proven to safely decrease traffic delays and congestion. When selected and designed correctly, roundabouts can handle a high volume of traffic, including commercial trucks and large emergency vehicles. There are 32 conflict points associated with a conventional intersection - 8 merging (or joining), 8 diverging (or separating) and 16 crossing. In contrast, there are only 8 total conflict points at an equivalent roundabout - 4 merging and 4 diverging. Not only are conflict points halved with the roundabout, the type of conflicts that remain are the same-direction variety, which result in substantially less severity, and as a result, less likelihood of injury. The reduction of both the total number of conflict points and their severity is also true for pedestrians.