Straightlining roundabouts
Discussion
Question for BiB;
If you observe a car straighlining a roundabout (taking the shortest and smoothest route, or the "racing line". Not that said car is racing per se) is this an offence or is it down to the conditions and amount of traffic, assuming driver is driving at a sensible speed for the conditions?
So for example 3am on a Sunday, clear day dry roads and you observe a car doing the above would you be pissed off or is he/she commiting an offence. If so what one?
Ta
If you observe a car straighlining a roundabout (taking the shortest and smoothest route, or the "racing line". Not that said car is racing per se) is this an offence or is it down to the conditions and amount of traffic, assuming driver is driving at a sensible speed for the conditions?
So for example 3am on a Sunday, clear day dry roads and you observe a car doing the above would you be pissed off or is he/she commiting an offence. If so what one?
Ta
HWC said:
Rule 188
Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10(1) & 16(1)]
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070338Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10(1) & 16(1)]
There's no MUST rules for traversing a roundabout on the HWC site (other than the mini-roundabout one already posted), but I assume you mean straightlining it from one side to the other using all lanes available on the correct side of the roundabout.
As long as it's clear, then there's no harm.
As long as it's clear, then there's no harm.
Assuming it's not a mini referred to in the regs above, but a max, then there are two issues:- line offences and careless/inconsiderate.
Line offences are rare and only going to occur where there is a TURN LEFT system in place with a dedicated lane for a turn which is abused. Can't see it being an issue ever.
Inconsiderate is ruled out by your supposition that noone else is around to be inconvenienced (where is the observing officer?)
That leaves careless -- does it fall below the required driving standard? Is it done without tyre squeal and drama? Safe speed, able to stop in distance clear etc? Is he driving like a c***?
Best just to issue a S59 and get on with it.
Line offences are rare and only going to occur where there is a TURN LEFT system in place with a dedicated lane for a turn which is abused. Can't see it being an issue ever.
Inconsiderate is ruled out by your supposition that noone else is around to be inconvenienced (where is the observing officer?)
That leaves careless -- does it fall below the required driving standard? Is it done without tyre squeal and drama? Safe speed, able to stop in distance clear etc? Is he driving like a c***?
Best just to issue a S59 and get on with it.
mmm-five said:
There's no MUST rules for traversing a roundabout on the HWC site (other than the mini-roundabout one already posted), but I assume you mean straightlining it from one side to the other using all lanes available on the correct side of the roundabout.
As long as it's clear, then there's no harm.
HWC Section 186As long as it's clear, then there's no harm.
Signals and position.
When taking any intermediate exit unless signs or markings indicate otherwise
select the appropriate lane on approach to the roundabout
you should not normally need to signal on approach
stay in this lane until you need to alter course to exit the roundabout
signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want
Straightlining, Prius style...
Acknowledgement ----> http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Less Pious
Acknowledgement ----> http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Less Pious
What about using both lanes at the same time?? I do this fairly often by turning my traction control off and drifting through the roundabout? I have always been of the assumption this is the best and easiest way to use a roundabout!!! Haha. 
But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!
But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!rash_decision said:
What about using both lanes at the same time?? I do this fairly often by turning my traction control off and drifting through the roundabout? I have always been of the assumption this is the best and easiest way to use a roundabout!!! Haha. But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!
I think that one comes under reckless driving, or even reckless endangerment if there are people about around said roundabout, regardless of what you think. But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!thunderbelmont said:
rash_decision said:
What about using both lanes at the same time?? I do this fairly often by turning my traction control off and drifting through the roundabout? I have always been of the assumption this is the best and easiest way to use a roundabout!!! Haha. But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!
I think that one comes under reckless driving, or even reckless endangerment if there are people about around said roundabout, regardless of what you think. But only in such a manner as to not lead other road users or pedestrians into a false sense of security in my positioning!!Thanks for all the info.
I do find that when I have passengers in the car early in the morning (asleep) then it makes their ride a lot smoother.
If the roundabout is empty. If I will inconvenience no-one. If there are no line markings indicating that I must not cross them THEN: I WILL racing line the roundabout to allow smoother progress through it.
If I might inconvenience anyone, or confuse them as to the exit I am heading for or in any other way compromise safety then I won't.
Top tip: Never traverse a roundabout WITH anyone. Always arrange it such that you are in front or behind of the car in the lane next to you. You can never tell if they are going to straightline the roundabout without bothering to look. After needing to emergency brake to avoid being sideswiped I have learnt this lesson thoroughly...
If I might inconvenience anyone, or confuse them as to the exit I am heading for or in any other way compromise safety then I won't.
Top tip: Never traverse a roundabout WITH anyone. Always arrange it such that you are in front or behind of the car in the lane next to you. You can never tell if they are going to straightline the roundabout without bothering to look. After needing to emergency brake to avoid being sideswiped I have learnt this lesson thoroughly...
mybrainhurts said:
Straightlining, Prius style...
Acknowledgement ----> http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Less Pious
Should Polish out... no drama....Acknowledgement ----> http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Less Pious
Some food for thought.
100 yds from my house is a mini roundabout, its just a big white circle painted on the road. There is *just* enough room to go round it and not actually drive on the paint but we are talking millimeters of clearance. So everyone just drives straight over it. I did so yeaterday with a marked plod car behind me, he did the same thing and wasnt bothered.
a bit further up the road is a mini roundabout with a raised centre. Due to the layout of the junction to get round it you have to pretty much stop as you enter the roundabout , swing hard left then a gentle right. Unfortunately this takes the front of the car into the road that joins the roundabout from the left. So if there is traffic waiting to exit that turn you have no choice but to straddle the bump or you just cant get round.
100 yds from my house is a mini roundabout, its just a big white circle painted on the road. There is *just* enough room to go round it and not actually drive on the paint but we are talking millimeters of clearance. So everyone just drives straight over it. I did so yeaterday with a marked plod car behind me, he did the same thing and wasnt bothered.
a bit further up the road is a mini roundabout with a raised centre. Due to the layout of the junction to get round it you have to pretty much stop as you enter the roundabout , swing hard left then a gentle right. Unfortunately this takes the front of the car into the road that joins the roundabout from the left. So if there is traffic waiting to exit that turn you have no choice but to straddle the bump or you just cant get round.
bigdods said:
Some food for thought.
100 yds from my house is a mini roundabout, its just a big white circle painted on the road. There is *just* enough room to go round it and not actually drive on the paint but we are talking millimeters of clearance. So everyone just drives straight over it. I did so yeaterday with a marked plod car behind me, he did the same thing and wasnt bothered.
a bit further up the road is a mini roundabout with a raised centre. Due to the layout of the junction to get round it you have to pretty much stop as you enter the roundabout , swing hard left then a gentle right. Unfortunately this takes the front of the car into the road that joins the roundabout from the left. So if there is traffic waiting to exit that turn you have no choice but to straddle the bump or you just cant get round.
I thought you were supposed to go over a mini-roundabouts? After all, there should only be one car on the roundabout at the time. I do this all the time, and did it on my IAM practical and did not get marked down. I think the OPs question is about proper roundabouts that have more than one lane, where instead of following around the curve of lane 1, you use lane 2 to take a shorter path over the tarmac to the exit?100 yds from my house is a mini roundabout, its just a big white circle painted on the road. There is *just* enough room to go round it and not actually drive on the paint but we are talking millimeters of clearance. So everyone just drives straight over it. I did so yeaterday with a marked plod car behind me, he did the same thing and wasnt bothered.
a bit further up the road is a mini roundabout with a raised centre. Due to the layout of the junction to get round it you have to pretty much stop as you enter the roundabout , swing hard left then a gentle right. Unfortunately this takes the front of the car into the road that joins the roundabout from the left. So if there is traffic waiting to exit that turn you have no choice but to straddle the bump or you just cant get round.
tribbles said:
I did fail a driving test because of straightlining a roundabout.
And I wasn't following anyone else, so I had no-one else to blame.
Aye, you will fail for this in the test.And I wasn't following anyone else, so I had no-one else to blame.
If you go on to take advanced driver training however (certainly with Rospa), as long as the roundabout is clear and your actions are not going to confuse/affect other road users, then you are taught to straightline.
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