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 Isn't a roundabout just
another form of intersection?
 Absolutely, see Animation
13. And, just like stop signs and stoplights it is important for
drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to learn the rules for roundabouts.
How do pedestrians use a
roundabout?
See
Animations 3, 6, AND 7. Remember if you are a driver
to observe all the pedestrian crossing locations because pedestrians
always have the right-of-way when they are in the crosswalks. Also, do not
stop in the crosswalks while you are waiting for your turn at the yield
line. If you are a pedestrian, be sure to use the crosswalks and make sure
the drivers see you before you enter the crosswalk.
How do bicycles use a
roundabout?
See
Animation 8. Bicyclists have a legal right to ride on
the street with the traffic just like other intersections, but we urge all
riders to use the paths and crosswalks. Statistics show roundabouts are
safer for almost everyone. Unfortunately, bike riders riding in traffic do
not share those benefits and may actually have a higher accident rate than
on-street bikers at other types of intersections. Be smart. Use the paths.
How do trucks use a
roundabout?
See
Animation 10. There are two things you should know
about trucks. First, very large trucks can pass through roundabouts. Large
trucks will need both lanes to make wide turns, and they can use the truck
aprons (concrete area on the outside of the central islands) for
additional space. Second, other drivers need to give trucks plenty of
room. You should expect trucks to use both lanes; so do not get beside a
truck in a roundabout--they may not be able to see you.
ABOUT
YIELDING TO
TOP
Does traffic approaching from
one direction have priority over traffic approaching from another
direction?
The only priority rule is that drivers inside the roundabout
have the right-of-way over any driver entering the roundabout, regardless
of approach direction. Every entrance has a yield sign for vehicles that
wish to enter.
I learned the rule as: “Yield to
the Right.” Is that correct?
At roundabouts, the traffic circulates counter-clockwise, so it
will be coming towards you from your left. Yield at the entry to
circulating traffic. In practice, that means yield to your left, as you do
when entering a freeway or turning right at a red traffic light.
Is the roundabout like a 4-way
stop?
Not really. The main similarity is that both roundabouts and
4-way stop intersections do not have signals. The differences include:
4-way stops yield to the right, roundabouts yield to the left --like a
right turn on red-- because the circulating traffic comes from that
direction. At 4-way stops, each direction gets a turn in order. At
roundabouts, each driver chooses a safe gap to enter and no driver “gets a
turn.” See Animation
13
Do I get a turn to
go?
Roundabouts are not like 4-way stops. You do not get a turn to
go. You may only enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the
traffic flow.
Do I have to stop at the YIELD
signs?
It depends on the amount of traffic already in the roundabout.
When there is a lot of traffic, you will probably have to stop. Otherwise,
when you have a safe gap, you are not required to stop. However, you
should always slow down enough so you can stop if necessary.
How large of a gap do I
need?
You will have to use your own judgment based on the vehicle you
are driving, the weather conditions, and traffic flow around you, It is
always your responsibility to select a safe gap before you cross your
yield line.
Is it OK to “let someone
in?”
Only if you do it exactly right. You can slow down so that the
safe gap becomes more obvious to them, but do not stop. If you wish to
stop to let someone in, be sure to stop at your yield line so that
everyone understands what you are doing. At Dowling Road, many people wait
for a moment at the yield lines under the bridge to provide gaps to
drivers waiting on the freeway off ramps. That is fine, but do not stop
after you cross the yield line and are actually in the roundabout circle.
I know the rule is “do not stop
inside the roundabout.” What should I do when someone else stops inside
the roundabout?
Be patient. Wait for them and make sure they go first. If you
go in front of a driver that stops you will add to that driver’s
confusion, and they will keep making the same mistakes. So, it is in
everyone’s best interest if we wait for those drivers. Soon they will gain
enough confidence so they will not to stop inside the roundabout any more.
See
Animation 5
What do I do when the driver in
front of me is too timid at the yield line?
Be patient and wait for them to choose their safe gap or change
lanes and go around them. Try to avoid honking your horn because it tends
to cause timid drivers to make mistakes.
While I am waiting for my turn
at the yield line I am not sure what to do about the pedestrian
crosswalks.
See
Animations 3 and 6. Do not block the pedestrian crosswalks. First, you
become an obstacle for pedestrians. Second, it is to your advantage not to
stop in the crosswalk because waiting behind the line gives you more space
to change lanes.
What can we do about people who
do not yield?
First, practice defensive driving like you would at any other
intersection. Second, be sure to follow all the yield rules yourself,
because other drivers will learn by watching you. Don't let a driver who
stops convince you to enter in front of them. If we all provide the right
example by following the yield-at-entry rule, the other drivers will
eventually learn. Finally, if you become aware that more enforcement is
needed, contact the police department and let them know about your
concerns.
ABOUT SPEED
TO
TOP
What is the right speed to drive through
the roundabouts?
In dry conditions, you should drive 15-20 MPH. Remember to
drive smoothly because other drivers need to accurately judge your speed
to choose safe gaps.
Do I really need to slow down
below 15 MPH when it is icy?
Absolutely. When it is icy, you will need to go slow enough to
be able to stop at the yield line and to control your vehicle through the
turns.
What can we do about people who
speed?
Roundabouts are designed to keep speeds low. However, some
drivers will attempt to speed. So, like any other intersection, you should
practice defensive driving. Other drivers can learn by your example, so be
sure to drive at a safe speed yourself and drive smoothly so other drivers
can easily judge your speed. Finally, if you become aware that more
enforcement is needed, contact the police department and let them know
about your concerns.
OTHER
TOPICS TO
TOP
The roundabouts are nicely
landscaped. Are there any special rules for using a roundabout during
maintenance activities?
Drivers should be aware that routine landscape maintenance is
common at roundabouts. Be courteous and drive cautiously when maintenance
personnel are present.
How to I provide input on
roundabouts to Anchorage's transportation planners?
Go to our comments page.
Specific
Questions about the Roundabouts on Dowling Road TO
TOP
How do I turn left toward the
freeway/frontage road?
See
Animation 12. It is simple, get in the left lane before you enter the
roundabout, and follow the guide
stripes into the proper
lane as you make the left turn.  To avoid problems, don’t
turn left across the guide
stripes or you will end up in “LEFT ONLY” lane. Should you end up in the
“LEFT ONLY” lane, just make the U-turn and come back around again -- DO
NOT attempt to move right from the “Left Only” lane.
Reminder -- get in the left lane before you enter the
roundabout. You MUST be in the left lane to make this turn. You MAY NOT
turn left towards the freeway from the right lane.
If you are confused, watching the animation will help, or
give us a call.
How large of a gap do I need to
enter the Dowling roundabout?
You will have to use your own judgment based on the vehicle you
are driving, the weather conditions, and traffic flow around you. At
Dowling Road a passenger car generally has a safe gap if vehicles coming
from the immediate left have not yet cleared their yield line
and if vehicles coming from the opposite side have not
yet started to turn left in front of you. However, it is always your
responsibility to select a safe gap before you cross your yield line.
Are there two lanes around the
roundabout?
No, see
Animations 1 and 12. At Dowling Road, there are two lanes on each
approach to the roundabout, but those lanes do not go all the way around.
Like many other intersections, the lane assignments are specific to your
direction of travel. Look for the regulatory signs (White Signs with Black
Arrows) and the directional arrows on the pavement.
Can I change lanes in the
roundabout?
You should not change lanes once you cross the yield line and
are in the circle. If you need to change lanes, do so before you get to
the yield line. At Dowling Road, you may change lanes between the
roundabouts in the straight roadway under the bridge.
Do I have to be in the left lane
to turn left?
Yes, with one exception. See
Animations 1 and 12, and when you are at the roundabout look for the
regulatory lane use signs (White Signs with Black Arrows) and the
directional arrows on the pavement. Like many other intersections, the
lane assignments are specific to the direction you are going. The only
place where you may turn left from the right lane is the freeway off
ramps, where the signs specifically allow you to do so. At the off ramps
the left lane is signed as a “LEFT ONLY” lane, and the right lane is
allowed to either turn left onto Dowling Road or go through towards the
Frontage Road.
I use the freeway and take the
northbound off ramp to get to Dowling Road. Can you tell me how the lanes
work?
See
Animations 1 and 12, and when you are at the roundabout look for the
directional arrows on the pavement. Also, this answer applies to both
roundabouts because the lanes are the same.
If you are headed east, use the right lane. Be sure to look
for pedestrians before you turn right. If are headed west, two lanes are
allowed to turn left at the off ramps. The inside lane is a “LEFT ONLY”
lane. If you are getting off the freeway to get on the frontage road, make
sure you use the MIDDLE lane.
When you get to the yield line, remember that you will
always yield to traffic in the roundabout coming from your left. Two lanes
of traffic will be headed towards you from your left. Vehicles in the
inside lane have the option of turning left in front of you or going
straight on Dowling Road. Whether you are in the LEFT lane or the MIDDLE
lane, you must yield to vehicles turning left towards the freeway onramp.
I sometimes get trapped in the
inside lane. What should I do?
Just go around once and try again. When you make the U-turn
next to the bridge there should be plenty of room for you to move to your
right.
See
Animation 12
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