Roundabouts Confusing Drivers

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Story Published: Aug 21, 2008 at 4:37 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:01 AM MST

By Hasti Taghi

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IDAHO FALLS - If you drive in Idaho Falls...you have probably driven through the roundabouts, but do you know exactly what the rules are when passing through one?

One concerned viewer says many drivers do not yield and can easily get themselves and others into trouble at these intersections.So we went out to see how to correctly navigate through a roundabout.

The posted speed limit at this roundabout is 15 miles per hour, but most of these drivers are not slowing down enough.

"If people aren't slowing down, they basically feel like they have the right of way and not giving it to those who are in the roundabouts and actually do have the right of way," says Sgt. Kip Davies, Bonneville County Sheriff's Office.

And knowing the right of way is the next thing you need to know...

"The person in the roundabout has the right of way."

"When driving through a roundabout, the most important thing is to slow down and yield to the person on your left," says Davies.

2 roundabouts in Idaho Falls have seen quite a few traffic accidents...one at the intersection of Hitt and Lincoln and another right down the road on Hitt and Iona. Roundabouts are unlike any other intersection. Because of the way they are designed, the people on your left are the ones that are always proceeding through and have the right of way. So what is the purpose of a roundabout?

"To cut down on 4-way stops and get traffic around a little quicker...saves city and county with stop light," says Davies.

Although it makes traffic run smoothly, it could be more dangerous if people don't pay attention to the simple roundabout rules.
So next time you enter a roundabout, remember, slow down, yield to your left, and proceed through.

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