When used correctly roundabouts can keep people moving and reduce backups during heavy traffic volumes like the situation caused by the Old Skeena Bridge connecting Terrace and Thornhill being closed.
When the province wrote on its website that “roundabouts reduce the number and type of conflict points compared to intersections, thereby decreasing the number and severity of collisions,” our civil servants clearly didn’t account for many drivers we’ve encountered on the daily commute between Thornhill and Terrace.
We’re not naming names or licence plate numbers but here are some of the basics as outlined by the province on its website so that we can all avoid getting into accidents.
Signal to warn other drivers if you intend on turning at the roundabout, there is no signal if you plan to proceed straight through the roundabout. But you should always signal before exiting the roundabout.
So for example, if you are going to Thornhill from Terrace along Highway 16, do not signal as you enter the roundabout, and signal right before you exit. If you’re headed to Kitimat, however, signal as you normally would when turning right.
Before entering, wait for a safe gap in traffic, remembering those in the roundabout have the right of way. Enter the roundabout by turning right in order to keep right of the island. Continue counter-clockwise until you reach your exit.
Again, use your right turn signal before exiting, watch for pedestrians and cyclists and be ready to stop at the crosswalk.
Never stop in a roundabout unless traffic conditions require it. Never pull over inside a roundabout; pull over for emergency vehicles before entering or after exiting a roundabout. Remember, there is no such thing as a left turn in a roundabout.
Never change lanes inside a roundabout to pass a vehicle and always yield to traffic in the roundabout. You should not shift into the exit lane in order to pass others who are using the roundabout.
- The Terrace Standard
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michael.willcock@terracestandard.com