What should you do when approaching a roundabout?

When approaching a roundabout, yielding to traffic already in the roundabout is essential for ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and maintaining safety. Roundabouts are designed to allow continuous movement, and the vehicles already circulating within the roundabout have the right of way. By giving way to these vehicles, you minimize the risk of collisions and help prevent congestion.

The practice of yielding is crucial because roundabouts operate effectively when drivers adhere to this rule, allowing them to merge into the flow of traffic seamlessly. This not only enhances efficiency in traffic movement but also reduces the potential for accidents that could occur if vehicles were to enter without yielding.

Entering at the first available gap may seem practical, but it overlooks the important principle of yielding to circulating traffic, which can lead to confusion and dangerous situations. Stopping before entering a roundabout is unnecessary and could disrupt the traffic flow, while driving straight through without yielding disregards fundamental traffic rules and significantly increases the risk of accidents. Understanding and following the yield rule in roundabouts is vital for all drivers to ensure safety for themselves and others.