Roundabouts seem to pop up more and more in Michigan. There are currently over 100 in our state with more on the way. I used to think roundabouts were invented by college kids (probably Purdue) but it appears they originated in the United Kingdom (thanks Google).
As I’m coming up on a roundabout, I’m certain my blood pressure goes up a bit and I enter state of heightened awareness as I grip the steering wheel at “10 and 2” and pull my face closer to the windshield to figure out how to navigate a circular road with multiple entry and exit points. I was recently near Brighton where there are two roundabouts within about 20 feet of each other. I thought “Oh Lord, are these things gonna put me in another dimension?”
Still, there’s something about them that makes sense. In my search for a deeper understanding of our state’s roads, I decided to do some research. Check out https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/safety/road-users/roundabouts for some interesting information on these things.
Roundabouts were designed for drivers to enter the circle, pick a lane, and ride that lane out of the circle. If you are involved in an accident in a roundabout, you’ll likely be ruled “at fault” if you: failed to yield the right of way to the circulating roundabout traffic; unsafely changed lanes; stopped your vehicle in the roundabout or were speeding or tailgating. All of these constitute negligent driving.
How to best navigate a roundabout? Pay attention to the signs, pick a lane and ride it out. If you’re the only one in the mad circle, changing lanes likely isn’t going to get you into much trouble. A good co-pilot can be very helpful! Google Maps does a decent job as a co-pilot on navigating these things. And when Mrs. Michael is my co-pilot, well, she’s right ALL the time!
As always, the best way to protect yourself is to know the laws, relax, drive safely, and have good auto insurance! Now, about those “Michigan Lefts”…