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## HOW TO DRIVE THROUGH A ROUNDABOUT 

A “roundabout” or “traffic circle” is a round intersection with a small diameter that makes drivers decrease speed, normally to 30 mph or less. Vehicles travel counterclockwise around a raised center island, with entering traffic yielding the right-of-way to traffic already circulating in the roundabout. Studies show a roundabout can re- duce the number and severity of accidents at an intersection, compared to intersections controlled by stop signs or traffic signals. Roundabouts, or rotaries, are now more common in New York State and other states. 

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When using roundabouts or traffic circles: 

• As you get near the roundabout, look for the street and direction signs you need. This will help you know which exit to take. These signs will be provided along the roadside before you reach the entrance to the roundabout. Slow down when you enter the roundabout. A sign, like the one on the left above, warns of a roundabout. 

• When you arrive at the roundabout, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians and bicyclists. You must also yield to any drivers who were in the roundabout before you. Sometimes a stop sign or traffic signal will control your point of entry. When the traffic level allows enough space and time, you can enter the roundabout in a counterclock- wise direction. 

• While inside the roundabout, remain in your lane until you are ready to exit. Use your right turn signal to let the other users know your intention to move from the “inside path” to the “outside path”, or if you are in position to exit now. Start to signal at the exit BEFORE the one you want to take. Do 

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not change lanes or take an exit before you check for vehicles that may be continuing through the roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. Expect vehicles to be in the “blind spots” you cannot see in your mir- rors. (For more about blind spots see, Large Vehicles, Chapter 11.) 

## DROWSY AND FATIGUED DRIVING 

Driving and sleep do not mix. When you are behind the wheel of a car or truck, fatigue is dangerous. If you are tired when driving you are slower to react, and not as aware as you should be and your judgment will be impaired. As with drugs and alcohol, drowsiness can contribute to a traffic crash. 

## Symptoms of Fatigue 

Researchers have found the following symptoms to be associated with drowsy driving: 

• Your eyes close or go out of focus by them- selves. 

• You find it difficult to keep your head up. 

• You continue to yawn. 

• Your thoughts wander and are disconnected. 

• You do not remember driving the last few miles. 

• You drift between lanes, tailgate or miss traffic signs. 

• You must jerk the car back into the lane. 

• You have drifted off the road and hit the rumble strips, which produce a loud noise and vibrations. 

## Who is Most at Risk? All Drivers who are: 

• Deprived of sleep or fatigued. 

• Driving long distances without rest breaks. 

• Driving through the night or at times when you are normally asleep. 

