The Institute of Advanced Motorists has published some tips on avoiding problems at roundabouts from advanced driver, Peter Rodger.
Rodger said, "At roundabouts, it is useful to try and consider the whole thing as one manoeuvre - that way you have a plan about which lane to be in, when to move into that lane, and what signals you expect to use. But you need to prepare to be flexible - other road users don't always behave as we'd expect them to."
He also offered the following advice:
- Information - Look well ahead and use your mirrors. Keep an eye on the car in front and try to identify a gap in the traffic before you reach the roundabout.
- Position - Bear in mind which exit you're taking as you approach the roundabout. Keep in the left-hand lane when turning left or going straight on, and keep to the right-hand lane when turning right.
- Speed - Slow down smoothly to a speed that is appropriate for the roundabout, taking note of the position of other road users.
- Gears - Change gear before turning if you're at the right speed. Check your mirrors again before turning onto the roundabout.
- Accelerate - Accelerate smoothly into a gap in the traffic, just like you would at a normal road junction.
