Question:

What do I do when I get to a traffic circle?

Answer:

The first thing to keep in mind is that there are two different types of circles – traffic circles and roundabouts.  Traffic circles are smaller with one lane going around the circle, often found in residential neighbourhoods.  Roundabouts are bigger and may have more than one lane going around, often found on busier roads in lieu of an intersection.

When approaching a traffic circle, reduce your speed and be sure to always yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in the circle.  If there are pedestrians in the crosswalks, stop to let them cross as at any pedestrian crossing.  If there is traffic already in the circle, be sure to stop BEFORE the crosswalk being careful not to block the crosswalk as you wait to enter the circle. 

Wait to enter the traffic circle until there is a safe space in traffic to do so, then:

• GOING RIGHT – before entering the traffic circle, put right indicator on and proceed in to the circle when safe, exiting the circle to the right (1^st exit)
• GOING STRAIGHT – no indicator needed before entering, just proceed in to the circle when safe, exiting the circle straight on (2^nd exit)
• GOING LEFT – before entering the traffic circle, put left indicator on and proceed in to the circle when safe, exiting the circle at the third exit.

Remember to ALWAYS yield to vehicles already in the traffic circle!