Roundabouts are safe and easy.
Say what? Yes, they are safe.
How many accidents have you heard about or seen at roundabouts in The Villages? In the almost 5 years that I have lived here, I only remember two and there was nobody injured in either one. Compare that with the number of auto accidents at cross streets like County Road 466 and Buena Vista or Morse Boulevard or County Road 466A and Buena Vista or Morse Boulevard. What about 466 and Rolling Acres? And how many of those have had bodily injuries or deaths?
One of the reasons may be that all vehicles approaching a roundabout have to slow down. At these slower speeds it is easier to avoid an accident when another driver does not follow the proper procedures for negotiating the roundabout. I have seen many close calls and angry drivers when someone is not following proper procedures. However, close calls and angry drivers are better than accidents and injuries.
And yes, roundabouts are easy. As long as you stay in your lane, keep your speed at 20 MPH and never change your lane in a roundabout. You also must be in the proper lane to begin with.
If you adhere to the following guidelines, you will see how easy it is;
– NEVER stop in a roundabout.
– ALWAYS give the right of way to a vehicle already in a roundabout.
– ALWAYS use your right-hand turn signal every time you exit a roundabout, even when you are using a bypass. If you are going straight through and exiting at the second exit, you must use your right hand turn signal when you get to that exit, whether you are in the inside or outside lane.
– NEVER change lanes in a roundabout even if this means that you must enter one of the gates on the visitors side. Your gate key works for the visitors side just as it does for the residents side.
– ALWAYS use your left hand turn signal and use the inside lane when going 3/4 around, (making a left hand turn), until you pass the second exit when you must use your right hand turn signal. If the gate or street you are going into has two lanes, you must enter in the left hand lane.
– NEVER enter a roundabout right beside a vehicle in the inner lane. When approaching a roundabout and no vehicles are in the outside lane and vehicles are in the inside lane, you should NOT enter the roundabout until you can stagger your position with that other vehicle so you can see the rear turn signals on the vehicle in the inner lane. That vehicle may be making a 3/4 turn in the roundabout and is preparing to make a right hand turn to leave the roundabout.
I find it easier to drive in the outside lane at all times unless I’m making a left hand turn. I’ll admit it took me a little while to get used to entering a gate from the visitor’s side. Now that the snowbirds have returned, it is wise to give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination. Now that you know the proper way to negotiate a roundabout, don’t make the assumption that everyone else does also. Always be on the lookout for drivers who do not follow the proper guidelines. Be safe out there!
Jay Kaplan is resident of The Villages.
