Right turn at roundabouts

SimonTemplar

When turning right at roundabouts, as you change from the inner to outer lane in order to exit, should you check your rear mirror in addition to your left wing mirror.

Obviously, the wing mirror is vital but is there any benefit to checking your rear mirror too. I'm only asking because there is so much to do in such a short period of time for that maneuver I just want to ensure I'm not doing anything extra.

Also, in order to change from the inner to outer lane, should I never see a car in that left wing mirror. If I do, should I just go around again.

Lefts and straight aheads are fine for me, but for rights I afraid of hitting a car in the outer lane as a change. Should I do a quick shoulder check to my left?

Any advice is appreciated.

ironictoaster

I always told to check the rear and wing mirror when indicating. I believe you should have a quick check of the blind spot when changing lanes. Don't quote me on that. Also a learner!

Esel

On some multi-lane runabouts, it is legal and safer to stay in the outside lane. In this scenario, if you are in the inner lane and want to move left, you have to be very aware of the possibility of traffic in that lane already. This is where the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder is especial important.

iwillhtfu

Esel wrote: »

On some very few multi-lane runabouts, it is legal and safer to stay in the outside lane. In this scenario, if you are in the inner lane and want to move left, you have to be very aware of the possibility of traffic in that lane already. This is where the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder is especial important.

Fixed that for you and if anything this practice should be done away with the main roundabout into Waterford springs to mind

TallGlass

SimonTemplar wrote: »

When turning right at roundabouts, as you change from the inner to outer lane in order to exit, should you check your rear mirror in addition to your left wing mirror. .

Yes.

Obviously, the wing mirror is vital but is there any benefit to checking your rear mirror too. I'm only asking because there is so much to do in such a short period of time for that maneuver I just want to ensure I'm not doing anything extra.

If I am reading what you are saying correctly. Yes it benifits you because you might have someone else doing the same thing at the same time and that might not be viable in your left hand mirror. I would do, left hand mirror, make sure it's clear, signal, look in rear mirror, look ahead and finally check blind spots and commit to the turn. But don't do a blind spot check while do moving into the turn, at that stage it's pointless.

Also, in order to change from the inner to outer lane, should I never see a car in that left wing mirror. If I do, should I just go around again

Judge the situation, if it's safe to do so then continue on, if it's safer to go around again then do so. Think of a pilot landing a plane, they sometimes do a go around on landing.

Lefts and straight aheads are fine for me, but for rights I afraid of hitting a car in the outer lane as a change. Should I do a quick shoulder check to my left?

Yes, do. But I would do it just before committing to the turn.

Gerrup Outta Dat!

If I am in the right lane and moving into the left lane to exit, what if a person was using the left lane to go all the way around?

And they come up on your inside preventing you from making the manoeuvre.

This happens a lot and sends me into a rage. (I have my license nearly 7 years now).

Dravokivich

My instructor had a diagram that showed when exiting from an inner lane on a multi lane round about, to aim for the second lane on the exit (if present), as there may be someone on the outer lane, also looking to exit at the same spot, they'd be aiming for the first lane.

With regards to "what mirrors" to use. My instructor was very keen to call out on 360 observation. You need to know where others are around you as much as you can. Especially if there's only 1 lane on the exit you are aiming for.

I find the mirror I'd use will be very dependant on the road layout. it only takes a moment to glance at each one as you are coming upto where you've got to make a decision to decide which is more relevant. While you're rear view may be better suited to show you what's behind, your side mirrors may show you someone who jumped out of an exit prior to yours, reducing your ability to exit.

meathstevie

Esel wrote: »

On some multi-lane runabouts, it is legal and safer to stay in the outside lane. In this scenario, if you are in the inner lane and want to move left, you have to be very aware of the possibility of traffic in that lane already. This is where the 'lifesaver' look over the shoulder is especial important.

Unless there's signage and road marking compelling you to do that it should not be done at all as it's very poor practice and often careless or dangerous. If there's no compulsory signage or road markings telling you to do that you should use the inside lane for entering the roundabout for every exit after the second one and change lane coming up to your exit.

Eire Go Brach

meathstevie wrote: »

for every exit after the second one and change lane coming up to your exit.

Apparently this is the old way of thinking. Latest rulebook has the "Golden Rule"
Golden Rule Link

Golden Rule
this ‘golden rule’ should help motorists to drive safely at
any roundabout regardless of the number of exits:
think of the roundabout as a clock.

If taking any exit from the 6 o’clock to the 12 o’clock
position, motorists should generally approach in the
left-hand lane.

If taking any exit between the 12 o’clock to the
6 o’clock positions, motorists should generally
approach in the right-hand lane.

If there are road markings showing you what lane
you should be in, follow those directions. t
raffic
conditions might sometimes mean you have to
take a different approach but, in the main,
the ‘golden rule’ will help you to drive
safely on almost any roundabout.