Theoretical query about roundabouts

[AngryApples]

Hi all,

if I am entering a roundabout with 2 lanes with the intention of taking the 2nd lane of a dual carriageway that is the 2nd exit from the R-O-B and a driver in the left hand lane then decides to go on round the R-O-B (as if heading to the 3rd exit) and hits me as I make my turn left into the 2nd lane of the 2nd exit dual carriageway, who is at fault?

[boothy1987]

Shouldn't you have been in the left hand lane if taking 2nd exit?

Google maps image would help

[StottyZr]

Is the 2nd exit effectively "straight on" if so, he's at fault

[saleen836]

If his intended exit is after 12 o'clock from his entrance to the roundabout then from my driving lessons many moons ago other driver should be in the right hand lane to enter the roundabout

[sandman77]

Depends on the layout of the roundabout and what the signs and road markings say but generally the left hand lane approaching the roundabout is for the left and ahead exits up to the 12 o'clock position.

[AndyT77]

I would say the other car was at fault. However, if i was going straight on i'd be in the inside lane, and then move into the other lane after the roundabout.

[motco]

In my (old) copy of 'Roadcraft' I seem to recall its saying that for exit two (of four) left or right lane is acceptable but left is to be preferred. For exit three or beyond it MUST be the right-hand lane until one exit prior to leaving.

[williredale]

I think it would depend on the roundabout. Have you a google maps link?

[S. Gonzales Esq.]

Legally, I'd suggest mostly the other driver - exit after 12 o'clock would usually mean entering in the right-hand lane of two.

Practically, the fault could be said to lie with the driver that didn't anticipate the other one doing something stupid, and plan for it.

Don't be alongside someone else on a roundabout - be in front in their vision or behind where you can see them, but not in their blind-spot.

[Kentish]

AndyT77 said:

I would say the other car was at fault. However, if i was going straight on i'd be in the inside lane, and then move into the other lane after the roundabout.

That is best practice.

There was a video clip posted on here just the other week of the very same scenario and the video cam was in the car taking to the inside of the ROB to go straight over into the outer lane on the D/C exit; you saw him pass a car on his inside and just before the exit came that horrible bang when two cars collide.

I'd go as far as to say that passing a car at all or being alongside one around a ROB is foolish now. If you find that you are, watch for signs of turning into you and always be ready to get on the horn.

[E500 TAT]

What about road markings on the approach to the island?

If left lane say left and straight and right lane say straight and right?

[carl_w]

If 6 o'clock is a dual carriageway and 12 o'clock is a dual carriageway, then it makes sense for the roundabout to be treated as two lanes in, two lanes out. So if you're in the right hand lane on entry and right hand lane on exit that should be fine. Otherwise all the straight on traffic for the dual carriageway will have to crowd into the left lane which seems mad.

[TheInternet]

Kentish said:

I'd go as far as to say that passing a car at all or being alongside one around a ROB is foolish now. If you find that you are, watch for signs of turning into you and always be ready to get on the horn out of the way.

Always unexpect the expected on round o'bouts.

[Benrad]

In that situation both of you know what's likely to happen and both of you should be capable of avoiding the other ton or two of metal.

Left hand lane to go further than 12 o'clock is wrong (road markings and lane boards absent I'm assuming) right hand lane to take right hand lane on exit should only be approached with extreme caution, a clear signal and maintaining the ability to bail out by doing a lap of the roundabout at all times.

I've never seen the need to do it myself, left hand lane for straight on costs no time normally and is safer I'd suggest

[Output Flange]

What on Earth is an "R-O-B"?

[E500 TAT]

Output Flange said:

What on Earth is an "R-O-B"?

It's a Round O Bout

[alock]

If it's a roundabout like this, then you would be to blame because the main exit is actually the 3rd exit at 3 o'clock.

[SpeckledJim]

Both to blame, I'd say. The other person shouldn't be going past 12 in the left lane, and you shouldn't be crossing lanes when there's people already in them, hence the requirement for a mirror check / lifesaver before leaving the inside lane of a roundabout.

I believe the lanes of a roundabout are to be treated basically like any other road - make sure it's clear before crossing them.

[kambites]

AngryApples said:

who is at fault?

To my mind, both of you are "at fault" - that sort of accident only happens if neither party is paying enough attention.

ETA: As others have said though, it ought to say either on the lanes or on signs which lanes are for which exit.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 2nd January 13:35

[SonicShadow]

Most DC roundabouts are signed and painted, so follow what they say.