RULES OF THE ROAD LEARN THE LAW SERIES 18

Learn The Law Menu | Round Abouts Yes or No?

Round-a-bouts, or rotary traffic islands, have seemed to cause arguments around the state! You either love them - or you hate them! They are a relativity new concept for many Arkansans, and they are continuing to show up in more and more cities, so we are here to help and remind you what to do when you come upon one of these pesky little things!

Why the change you ask? Well, roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic. Unlike intersections with traffic signals, drivers don't have to wait for a green light at a roundabout to get through the intersection. Traffic is not required to stop – only yield – so the intersection can handle more traffic in the same amount of time.

Another main reason for the change, is recent data that shows roundabouts reduced injury crashes by 75 percent at intersections where stop signs or signals were previously used for traffic control!!! Arkansas law is very simply stated, but the image below should give you a few tips on how to proceed through these traffic islands!

27-51-304 - One-way roadways and rotary traffic islands.

(a) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.

(b) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.

Here are a few more tips:

  • When you approach a roundabout, you will see a yellow "roundabout ahead" sign with an advisory speed limit for the roundabout.
  • Slow down as you approach the roundabout, and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
  • Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
  • Once you see a gap in traffic, enter the circle and proceed to your exit. If there is no traffic in the roundabout, you may enter without yielding.
  • Do not stop in the roundabout.
  • Look for pedestrians and use your turn signal before you exit, and make sure to stay in your lane as you navigate the roundabout.

Source: ASP Staff & Learn The Law Inspired by NEA Report

https://neareport.com/2017/10/17/state-police-how-to-use-the-left-turn-lane/

*Excerpt from: #learnthelawtuesdays

OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Offce