In busy cities like Las Vegas, roundabouts are a road design implemented to prevent traffic jams. They control movement through intersections without requiring traffic signals. Understanding how roundabouts work and the proper way to use them is necessary if you wish to keep yourself and others safe while driving in Las Vegas.
How to Navigate a Roundabout Correctly
Roundabouts in Las Vegas result in less traffic congestion at busy intersections, traffic moving more smoothly and fewer car accidents. Any crashes that do occur in roundabouts are generally less severe than traditional intersection accidents, as there is no possibility of T-bone or head-on collisions. However, confusion and misconceptions regarding how to properly drive in a roundabout can increase the odds of motor vehicle collisions – including accidents involving people on bicycles, scooters or on foot in Las Vegas.
Yield to Those in the Roundabout
When approaching a roundabout in Las Vegas, reduce your speed and prepare to come to a complete stop. As a driver entering a roundabout, you are required to yield the right-of-way to vehicles (as well as bicyclists and pedestrians) that are already in the roundabout. You must wait outside of the roundabout for a break in traffic that makes it safe for you to enter.
Drive Safely to Your Exit
Once it is safe, turn right into the roundabout so that you are traveling in a counterclockwise direction. You will always enter a roundabout by traveling to the right of the center island. If the roundabout has multiple lanes, choose the correct lane based on which exit you plan on taking. If you will be turning immediately right or proceeding straight through the intersection, choose the rightmost lane. If you are making a left turn at the roundabout (going about 75 percent around and exiting) or need to make a U-turn (going completely around and exiting the way you entered), choose the inside left lane. While you are in a roundabout, do not stop for vehicles that are waiting to enter. You have the right-of-way. Follow all posted speed limits.
Exit Smoothly
After you have driven around to your desired exit, use your turn signal to indicate where you will be leaving. This can signal to other drivers that it is safe for them to enter. When it is time to exit a multilane roundabout, only do so from the left lane if there is no vehicle traveling to your right. Otherwise, you will have to move into the right lane first.
Proper Usage for Pedestrians
Traversing a roundabout in Las Vegas as a pedestrian can be challenging and dangerous if you do not understand how it works. If you are approaching a single-lane roundabout that offers crosswalks through it, remain in the crosswalk at all times while crossing. Wait for the Walk sign, if there is one, or until drivers have stopped. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you and have come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk. Pedestrians may not be accommodated in a multilane or large roundabout. In this situation, you may need to walk carefully around the perimeter of the roundabout using a sidewalk. If you get involved in a roundabout accident, the Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Koch & Brim, LLP can help you seek justice and fair financial compensation.