Dear Jasminda,

I’m continually frustrated with people who don’t know the roundabout rules.

Surely, they knew them once, when they went for their driving test, but now they unnecessarily stop, switch lanes midway, don’t indicate, and a multitude of other sins.

Barry L

 

Dear Barry,

I have cross-referenced the NSW Roundabout rules with my general experience with roundabouts, and can see some different areas for improvement.

I think we could all do with a refresher.

1. Roundabouts manage the traffic flow. Experience: roundabouts are a demonstration of the sheer bloody-mindedness, aggression and indecision of our local residents. If you have an upmarket European car or a jacked-up 4-wheel drive Ute with bull bar and driving lights, this means you automatically have right of way.

Everyone will be instinctively aware of this due to their innate need for self-preservation.

2. When you approach the roundabout, you must slow down or stop to give way to all vehicles already on the roundabout. Experience: It doesn’t matter what you do, you’ve got to watch the bloody idiots who do what they want to do anyway (direct quote from my mother).

3. On multi-lane roundabouts, you must follow the direction of the arrows or signs on the road. Experience: The signs are there to make you feel a false sense of security. If Mary from Lemon Tree Passage remembers she needs a loaf of bread at the Pauls Corner roundabout, she’ll happily cross lanes without a moment’s consideration for anyone.

4. A little-known fact is that there is no requirement to exit a roundabout. Experience: What fun we could all have going round and round the roundabout, never giving way to anyone, until we run out of petrol (though with current fuel prices, this could be an expensive form of irritation to your fellow motorists). Side note: If you go to Canberra, it is almost obligatory that you get unintentionally stuck on this form of looping madness, wondering if you will ever be able to escape.

Carpe diem, Jasminda