Roundabouts

There seems to be much confusion and hesitancy on the part of drivers approaching the roundabout located at Taylor Road and Silver Creek Drive in Central Point. Hopefully this information will assist motorists to use the roundabout safely and confidently.

Although many situations on the road require drivers to yield to someone on the right, in a roundabout situation drivers who are approaching the roundabout must yield the right of way to any vehicle to the left. The yield signs posted at each entrance to the roundabout are advising to yield to any vehicle already in the roundabout to the left, and any pedestrian or bicycle.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to successfully drive in a roundabout:

1. Approach the roundabout and begin to slow down.
2. Prior to the crosswalks check both directions to ensure there are no pedestrians crossing or getting ready to cross. If there are, you must yield to them.
3. While you approach the yield sign, check your left and make sure there are no cars in the roundabout to your left. If there are cars you must yield to any car to your left. If not, you are free to enter the roundabout. You do not have to stop prior to entering.
4. Remember roundabout speeds are 15 miles per hour.
5. Signal your right turn out of the roundabout and exit.
6. Do not pass bicyclists that are ahead of you in a roundabout.

There are a few laws that apply to the roundabout. Motorists (including bicycles) may be issued a traffic citation for not yielding the right of way (ORS 811.292). To be in violation of this statue a driver must enter the roundabout without yielding the right of way to a vehicle on the left. If a driver causes an accident by pulling out in front of a vehicle, or enters the roundabout in an unsafe manner requiring the driver that has the right of way to brake or take other evasive action a citation most likely would be issued. This is a class C traffic violation with a fine of $150.00.

The second law specific to roundabouts is ORS 811.400 which discusses when you must signal in a roundabout. This law is simple, and states that drivers must use signals while turning, changing lanes, stopping or suddenly decelerating, or exiting the roundabout. While your brake lights take care of the requirement for signaling while stopping or suddenly decelerating you must use your turn signals while turning to exit the roundabout. Violating this is a class B traffic violation with a fine of $247.00.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact any officer at the Central Point Police Department.