Introduction:
This video is provided by courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation and the cities of Lacey and Olympia, Washington.

Modern roundabouts are intersection improvements that move traffic without the aid of traffic signals and improve roadway congestion. Roundabouts have the following advantages:

• Improved safety due to reduced vehicle speeds
• Reduced vehicle emissions
• Increased roadway capacity
• Improved traffic circulation

The following questions will be answered which will assist you in safely negotiating a modern two-lane roundabout:

• What are the rules of the road?
• How do you drive through a modern two-lane roundabout?
• Who has the right-of-way?

The Yield Principle:
All vehicles approaching the roundabout must yield to traffic inside the circulating lanes as well as exiting vehicles. Approaching drivers should look to their left to determine if they have an adequate gap in traffic in which to enter the roundabout.

Choose Your Lane:
Lane choice at a two-lane roundabout is similar to a standard intersection. When approaching, choose either the right or left lane that corresponds to your desired movement. Lane choice is based on the driver’s destination. The left lane allows left turns, straight ahead movements and U-turns only. Right lane maneuvers include immediate right turns or straight ahead movements.

Never change lanes once you have entered the circulating lanes. If you approach the roundabout in the left lane, enter the inside circulating lane and maintain that lane position until you exit. Approaching the roundabout in the right lane requires that you enter the outside circulating lane.

Slow Down:
Everyone must obey the "rules of the road":

• Vehicle speeds should be less than 20 mph.
• Yield to vehicles already in the circulating lanes.
• Do not enter in front of a circulating vehicle unless you have space to do so safely.
• Do not make left turns from the right lane.
• Never change lanes inside the roundabout.
• U-turns are only allowed from the left lane.

Failure to observe these guidelines will create unsafe driving conditions for you and other drivers.

Large Vehicles:
Drivers should be aware that large trucks may straddle both circulating lanes. Therefore, never drive adjacent to or pass large trucks while maneuvering through a roundabout. If you follow a truck into a roundabout, do not attempt to pass.

Emergency Vehicles:
Always give emergency vehicles the right-of-way when they approach. If you have not yet entered the roundabout, pull over to the right allowing emergency vehicles to pass. Never stop inside the roundabout. Continue to your exit and then pull over to the right lane allowing the emergency vehicles to maneuver around you.

Pedestrians:
Before entering the crosswalk, pedestrians should always look in the direction of oncoming traffic. Find a gap in traffic and then cross. Roundabouts have a refuge island providing a safe area between opposing travel lanes. Be aware of traffic entering and exiting the roundabout.

Bicyclists:
Bicyclists should use the crosswalks like a pedestrian and walk their bikes across. Only experienced bicyclists should ride through the roundabout. If riding a bike through the roundabout, the same "rules of the road" apply for a bike as an automobile.

Summary and Conclusion:

• Yield to all traffic circulating the roundabout before entering.
• Make the appropriate lane choice based on your desired destination before entering the roundabout.
• After entering the roundabout, never change lanes or pass other vehicles.
• Slow down to safely enter and negotiate the roundabout.
• Never pass or drive adjacent to a truck in a roundabout.
• Do not impede emergency vehicles.
• Pedestrians should utilize the refuge islands in order to safely cross both directions of travel.
• Only experience bicyclists should drive through the roundabout

Contact the Public Works Department or the Kansas Department of Transportation for locations where roundabouts have been constructed or are planned in the future. You may also contact the City's Traffic Services Division to answer any specific questions regarding driving two-lane roundabouts.