Signalling straight ahead on mini-roundabout

tom_murphy112

Hi all,

Just wondering what is the right procedure when taking the first exist straight ahead on a mini roundabout. I have been receiving conflicting info from people. Some say you have to indicate left just as you approach the roundabout (apparently this is to inform up coming road users that you are heading straight), others say you have to indicate just halfway through the mini-roundabout (similar to taking the 2nd exit of a normal roundabout). Something similar to the mini-roundabout in the pic

Help is much appreciated

Days 298

http://goo.gl/maps/dFShP

If its like this one. You dont have to indicate when going straight through but you can, flick on flick off. Be weary of people treating it like its not there when turning right.

tom_murphy112

Interesting my driving instructor mentioned that I should always indicate as normal when heading 2nd exit straight ahead and third exit to the right (i.e have the right indicator on till you pass the second exit and then indicate left as you exit) on a mini roundabout. I am finding that everybody has different opinion on this one.. any one know what is RSA stance for mini roundabout when doing the driving test ? as it never says anything about mini roundabout on the Rules of the Road

dastardly00

I would indicate to the left as I approach the roundabout as the exit I am taking is not after 12 o'clock, and it's the first exit of the roundabout.

This makes sense to me, and it was what my ADI taught me.

MascotDec85

Mini-roundabouts should be treated like any other roundabout.
If the exit is at 12, regardless if it's the 1st or 2nd exit there is no signal on the approach. The left signal is made around the 9 o'clock position indicating you are exiting

ARCD

Firstly, mini-roundabouts are treated the exact same way as large roundabouts.

Secondly, the correct procedure for going straight ahead when this is the first exit is to indicate left BEFORE the roundabout. Think about it, what is the purpose of the indicator? To let other road users know your intentions. Giving the signal early shows other road users what you intend to do and they can plan their actions accordingly.

Here's an example I came across in a driving lesson. I approached to go straight (first exit) and like others didn't think an indicator was necessary. As I approached I saw a car coming from my right, indicating he wanted to turn right (exit I wanted) so I waited for him. To his right was a bus approaching to go straight so he waited too. Because I had no signal on the bus had no idea where I was going and so waited for me. We all had a few seconds sitting there not knowing whether to go or not because we all conceded right of way. My instructor told me to proceed and once clear of the junction told me I had caused that mess. If I had my signal on the bus would have known I was not crossing his path and we all would have proceeded quicker, lesson learned.

MascotDec85

ARCD wrote: »

Firstly, mini-roundabouts are treated the exact same way as large roundabouts.

Secondly, the correct procedure for going straight ahead when this is the first exit is to indicate left BEFORE the roundabout. Think about it, what is the purpose of the indicator? To let other road users know your intentions. Giving the signal early shows other road users what you intend to do and they can plan their actions accordingly.

Here's an example I came across in a driving lesson. I approached to go straight (first exit) and like others didn't think an indicator was necessary. As I approached I saw a car coming from my right, indicating he wanted to turn right (exit I wanted) so I waited for him. To his right was a bus approaching to go straight so he waited too. Because I had no signal on the bus had no idea where I was going and so waited for me. We all had a few seconds sitting there not knowing whether to go or not because we all conceded right of way. My instructor told me to proceed and once clear of the junction told me I had caused that mess. If I had my signal on the bus would have known I was not crossing his path and we all would have proceeded quicker, lesson learned.

And your instructor blamed you for that??
It's like reaching a junction of equal importance. It takes someone, usually the one with the biggest balls, to kick off the movement.

ARCD

MascotDec85 wrote: »

And your instructor blamed you for that??
It's like reaching a junction of equal importance. It takes someone, usually the one with the biggest balls, to kick off the movement.

Yes, but as my instructor said if I had signalled early and correctly the mess would have been completely avoided. Things like that will go against you in a test so I have no issues with what he said, I still feel he was right to say it.

MascotDec85

ARCD wrote: »

Yes, but as my instructor said if I had signalled early and correctly the mess would have been completely avoided. Things like that will go against you in a test so I have no issues with what he said, I still feel he was right to say it.

Don't see how. A car was to your right. You HAD to yield to it assuming it was close enough to the roundabout. Someone's signal isn't enough to proceed so the bus can't just go because you signal.
Granted it can be easier to see the exact situation play out as it happens but you need to be careful what advice you give out on here (this isn't a dig at you) as people take it as word.

ARCD

Alright clearly it was a bad example then. My point was not who's right and who's wrong, it was to show that not signalling creates confusion. Back to the original topic, yes signal early before the roundabout

redarmy1929

ARCD wrote: »

Alright clearly it was a bad example then. My point was not who's right and who's wrong, it was to show that not signalling creates confusion. Back to the original topic, yes signal early before the roundabout

what? why?

Going by OP picture if I was approaching from the bottom, i wouldnt indicate until Ive gone passed the first exit, and indicate coming off it.

If you indicate left approaching the roundabout, then cars on exit 1 will think you are going to turn left.

ARCD

redarmy1929 wrote: »

what? why?

Going by OP picture if I was approaching from the bottom, i wouldnt indicate until Ive gone passed the first exit, and indicate coming off it.

If you indicate left approaching the roundabout, then cars on exit 1 will think you are going to turn left.

That is not what this topic is about, although you are correct in what you said. I would never advise indicating when there is also a left turn, but this topic is about approaching that roundabout from the right-hand side to go straight (FIRST exit). When going straight in this instance indicate before the roundabout.

To put it simply this is how to indicate at a roundabout:

1. Taking FIRST exit up to 12 o'clock position/straight ahead, indicate left before the roundabout.
2. Taking SECOND or later exit up to 12 o'clock position/straight ahead DO NOT indicate on approach. ONLY indicate left when you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.
3. Taking ANY exit after 12 o'clock position/straight ahead, indicate right on approach. Then indicate left when you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

I hope this has cleared up any confusion

dastardly00

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Mini-roundabouts should be treated like any other roundabout.
If the exit is at 12, regardless if it's the 1st or 2nd exit there is no signal on the approach. The left signal is made around the 9 o'clock position indicating you are exiting

But when the first exit is at 12 o'clock, why would you wait until you have passed the 9 o'clock position in order to signal? I don't see any reason not to indicate as you approach the roundabout.

I agree with what ARCD said below:

ARCD wrote: »

Secondly, the correct procedure for going straight ahead when this is the first exit is to indicate left BEFORE the roundabout. Think about it, what is the purpose of the indicator? To let other road users know your intentions. Giving the signal early shows other road users what you intend to do and they can plan their actions accordingly.

GreeBo

dastardly00 wrote: »

But when the first exit is at 12 o'clock, why would you wait until you have passed the 9 o'clock position in order to signal? I don't see any reason not to indicate as you approach the roundabout.

I agree with what ARCD said below:

+1
when taking the first exit, irrespective of whether or not its before 12 or at 12, indicate so that everyone else waiting to get on the roundabout knows your intentions.

tom_murphy112

Thanks Folks, So I think I will be indicating left as I approach the mini-roundabout..

Really appreciate the help folks

willietherock

Another q on mini roundabouts
If the second exit is at 12 0clock, I've been told you don't have to indicate at all just drive straight on. True or false?

ARCD

False, treat them exactly like you would a standard roundabout

Days 298

I dont think you have to on a mini roundabout. People dont. On the test you may as well to be safe.

dastardly00

willietherock wrote: »

Another q on mini roundabouts
If the second exit is at 12 0clock, I've been told you don't have to indicate at all just drive straight on. True or false?

You should indicate, but don't signal 'left' until you have passed the exit before the one you intend to take (in your example, the first exit). Simples

MascotDec85

dastardly00 wrote: »

But when the first exit is at 12 o'clock, why would you wait until you have passed the 9 o'clock position in order to signal? I don't see any reason not to indicate as you approach the roundabout.

I agree with what ARCD said below:

Because you signal where the first exit would NORMALLY be found.
A mini-roundabout should be treated EXACTLY as a normal roundabout.

If you approached a regular sized roundabout with the first exit at 12 you should not signal on the approach.

dastardly00

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Because you signal where the first exit would NORMALLY be found.
A mini-roundabout should be treated EXACTLY as a normal roundabout.

If you approached a regular sized roundabout with the first exit at 12 you should not signal on the approach.

So your answer is that the driver should 'signal where the first exit would normally be found?? Ah here, that sounds ridiculous.

Fuzzy Clam

dastardly00 wrote: »

So your answer is that the driver should 'signal where the first exit would normally be found?? Ah here, that sounds ridiculous.

I agree. The 1st exit is at 12 o'clock so you should signal before entering the roundabout.

Fuzzy Clam

dastardly00 wrote: »

So your answer is that the driver should 'signal where the first exit would normally be found?? Ah here, that sounds ridiculous.

I agree. The 1st exit is at 12 o'clock so you should signal before entering the roundabout.

MascotDec85

dastardly00 wrote: »

So your answer is that the driver should 'signal where the first exit would normally be found?? Ah here, that sounds ridiculous.

How is it ridiculous? What's so difficult for you to understand?
You are going straight ahead, you've no straight ahead signal. You aren't going left. You don't signal on the approach but signal left at the 9 o'clock position as you would normally.
There a first exit straight ahead roundabouts on the test routes I instruct on. My pupils don't pick up marks for misleading signals or signals on roundabouts for things like we're discussing.
I was taught this way years ago by a UK ADI and again by my ADI trainer over here.

If drivers had a better understanding of roundabouts, position and signals to be given they'd know that no signal means straight ahead. Given that mini-roundabouts are, by their very nature, much smaller then all drivers approaching should do so with caution and prepare to stop regardless of what signals are being used or not

hognef

MascotDec85 wrote: »

How is it ridiculous? What's so difficult for you to understand?
You are going straight ahead, you've no straight ahead signal. You aren't going left. You don't signal on the approach but signal left at the 9 o'clock position as you would normally.
There a first exit straight ahead roundabouts on the test routes I instruct on. My pupils don't pick up marks for misleading signals or signals on roundabouts for things like we're discussing.
I was taught this way years ago by a UK ADI and again by my ADI trainer over here.

If drivers had a better understanding of roundabouts, position and signals to be given they'd know that no signal means straight ahead. Given that mini-roundabouts are, by their very nature, much smaller then all drivers approaching should do so with caution and prepare to stop regardless of what signals are being used or not

You are leaving the roundabout, to the left, at the first exit, hence you indicate left early enough to alert anybody approaching from the 12 o'clock position that they are free to enter the roundabout.

If you leave it until passing the 9 o'clock position, the other driver is completely unaware of your intentions up until that point, and needs to hold back until you do finally indicate.

Which option do you think lends itself best to a smooth flow of traffic?

MascotDec85

hognef wrote: »

You are leaving the roundabout, to the left, at the first exit, hence you indicate left early enough to alert anybody approaching from the 12 o'clock position that they are free to enter the roundabout.

If you leave it until passing the 9 o'clock position, the other driver is completely unaware of your intentions up until that point, and needs to hold back until you do finally indicate.

Which option do you think lends itself best to a smooth flow of traffic?

It's as simple as this.
Left says I'm going left
No signal says I'm going straight
Right signal says I'm going right.

If people don't understand that, that's their lookout.

A mini-roundabout should be treated exactly like a normal one. That's the bottom line.

longhalloween

MascotDec85 wrote: »

Because you signal where the first exit would NORMALLY be found.
A mini-roundabout should be treated EXACTLY as a normal roundabout.

If you approached a regular sized roundabout with the first exit at 12 you should not signal on the approach.

That's wrong.

If you're taking the first exit, indicate left coming up to the roundabout (doesn't matter if it's at 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock or 2 o'clock)

If you're taking the second exit, then indicate as you're passing the first exit. (however, if this exit is at 3 o'clock, then I'd indicate right. Don't know if that proper procedure, but it makes sense to me)

If you're taking the third or more exit, then indicate right, then indicate left as you pass the exit before your one.

That's what my driving examiner told me, since I got a fault on it. I was coming up to a roundabout with two exits. One to the right and one straight ahead. I indicated left when I was on the roundabout as (similar to MascotDec85) I though that was the procedure when going straight through.

Even though you could have your indicator on for a good while, you're still taking the first exit.


That said, very few people know how to indicate, so don't trust any of them. Don't even trust people coming onto the roundabout as I've almost had an accident twice in the last week with people driving out in front of me on the roundabout.

Fuzzy Clam

MascotDec85 wrote: »

It's as simple as this.
Left says I'm going left
No signal says I'm going straight
Right signal says I'm going right.

If people don't understand that, that's their lookout.

A mini-roundabout should be treated exactly like a normal one. That's the
bottom line.

The rules state you indicate after the exit before the one before the one you want to take. Not an imaginary exit at 9 o'clock. Strictly speaking wouldn't this mean you should indicate as soon as you enter the roundabout?

Fuzzy Clam

MascotDec85 wrote: »

It's as simple as this.
Left says I'm going left
No signal says I'm going straight
Right signal says I'm going right.

If people don't understand that, that's their lookout.

A mini-roundabout should be treated exactly like a normal one. That's the
bottom line.

The rules state you indicate after the exit before the one before the one you want to take. Not an imaginary exit at 9 o'clock. Strictly speaking wouldn't this mean you should indicate ad soon as you enter the roundabout?

Fuzzy Clam

MascotDec85 wrote: »

It's as simple as this.
Left says I'm going left
No signal says I'm going straight
Right signal says I'm going right.

If people don't understand that, that's their lookout.

A mini-roundabout should be treated exactly like a normal one. That's the
bottom line.

The rules state you indicate after the exit before the one before the one you want to take. Not an imaginary exit at 9 o'clock. Strictly speaking wouldn't this mean you should indicate ad soon as you enter the roundabout?

Fuzzy Clam

MascotDec85 wrote: »

It's as simple as this.
Left says I'm going left
No signal says I'm going straight
Right signal says I'm going right.

If people don't understand that, that's their lookout.

A mini-roundabout should be treated exactly like a normal one. That's the
bottom line.

The rules state you indicate after the exit before the one before the one you want to take. Not an imaginary exit at 9 o'clock. Strictly speaking wouldn't this mean you should indicate ad soon as you enter the roundabout?