How to navigate a roundabout.

Without going round and round.

Circular intersections are increasingly common around Winnipeg and other Manitoba communities. Without stop signs or lights, traffic flows counterclockwise around a centre island, with connecting streets that branch out like the spokes on a wheel. In residential neighbourhoods, the loops help slow down traffic to increase safety for road users. On larger streets, they increase traffic flow while reducing the number of potential collision points: Research shows they reduce fatal collisions by nearly 90 percent and injuries by up to 76 percent. But how exactly do they work?

How do they work?

Right turn.

As you approach the roundabout, slow down and watch for pedestrians. Yield to oncoming traffic on the left but don't stop if the way is clear. Engage your right turn signal well in advance of turning right onto exit street.

Driving through.

To continue straight, drive halfway around the centre island; engage turn signal and veer slight right to proceed on the same street. While in a roundabout, you have the right-of-way over vehicles or cyclists entering the circle.

Left turn.

Complete a left-hand turn by driving around the centre island, exiting at the third street. Before exiting the roundabout, check for cyclists travelling beside your vehicle. Cyclists should follow the same rules as drivers for all turns.

U-turn.

To turn around, enter the roundabout and drive completely around the centre island, exiting on the street in which you entered. Don't forget to engage right-hand turn signal when leaving the circle.