Multi-lane roundabouts can be quite confusing. Especially when you are driving on a roundabout with multiple lanes for the first time, it is not always immediately clear which lane you should choose or when you are allowed to change lanes.
On a roundabout with two or three lanes, the layout is often still fairly easy to understand. But some roundabouts have four, five or even more lanes. On these roundabouts, it is especially important to look ahead and know which exit you need to take.
The most important rule is simple: before entering the roundabout, determine which exit you need and choose the correct lane in good time. This helps prevent you from having to change lanes unexpectedly while driving around the roundabout.
In this blog, we explain step by step how to navigate a multi-lane roundabout safely and confidently.
First, determine which exit you need
Before entering a multi-lane roundabout, you first need to know where you want to go. Are you taking the first exit to the right? Are you going straight ahead? Or do you need to go three-quarters of the way around the roundabout to take the exit to the left?
This is important because your destination determines which lane you need.
By thinking about this before reaching the roundabout, you can position yourself in the correct lane in good time. This prevents you from realizing that you are in the wrong lane only after entering the roundabout and then having to try to change lanes at the last moment.
Therefore, look at the traffic signs and lane layout before entering the roundabout.
Pay close attention to the traffic signs
Multi-lane roundabouts often have traffic signs showing how the lanes are arranged. These signs indicate which lanes you can use for the different directions.
Take a moment to look carefully at the signs before entering the roundabout. This allows you to determine in advance which lane corresponds to the exit you need.
The layout can differ from one roundabout to another. You therefore cannot always assume that, for example, the right-hand lane is only intended for the first exit. The traffic signs and road markings on that particular roundabout determine which lanes you can use.
Follow the arrows and road markings
Traffic signs are not the only thing you need to pay attention to. Arrows painted on the road also show which directions you can follow from a particular lane.
Suppose you want to take the first exit to the right. There may be a right-turn arrow painted on the road in the right-hand lane. This marking shows that you can use this lane to take the first exit.
But what if you want to drive three-quarters of the way around the roundabout and take the exit to the left? Another lane may be designated for this direction. In some situations, this could be the left-hand lane.
The exact layout differs from one roundabout to another. Therefore, always pay attention to the arrows, lane markings and traffic signs you see at that particular roundabout.
Can you change lanes on a multi-lane roundabout?
In many situations, you are allowed to change lanes on a multi-lane roundabout. However, you may only do so when it is safe and when the road markings or traffic signs do not prohibit it.
You should approach a lane change in the same way as you would on any other road. First, check whether there is enough space and pay attention to traffic alongside and behind you.
Before changing lanes:
- check your mirrors carefully;
- check your blind spot;
- signal in good time;
- make sure you are not obstructing other road users;
- only change lanes when it is safe to do so.
Also pay attention to the road markings. For example, if there is a solid line, you cannot simply cross it. Arrows painted on the road may also indicate that you must follow a particular direction.
Changing lanes should never be something you attempt at the last moment simply because you are about to miss your exit.
What if you are in the wrong lane?
It can happen that you end up in the wrong lane. If this happens, do not suddenly move across several lanes to try to reach your exit.
This can be dangerous, especially on a busy roundabout where other drivers do not expect you to suddenly change lanes.
Instead, stay calm and continue following the lane you are in. If you miss your exit as a result, you can go around the roundabout again and take the correct exit.
An extra lap may be inconvenient, but safety always comes before making your exit.
Look ahead and make your decision early
A common mistake on multi-lane roundabouts is deciding which direction to take only while already driving around the roundabout. This can create uncertainty and increases the chance that you will want to change lanes unexpectedly.
Try to look ahead before reaching the roundabout.
Once you know which exit you need, check the traffic signs and road markings and choose the correct lane in good time. This means you have fewer decisions to make while actually driving around the roundabout.
A useful approach
You can follow the same steps whenever you approach a multi-lane roundabout:
1. Determine your exit.
Know which exit you need before entering the roundabout.
2. Check the traffic signs.
Determine which lane or lanes you can use for your direction.
3. Look at the arrows on the road.
Follow the indicated direction.
4. Choose your lane in good time.
Avoid having to make a last-minute lane change just before or on the roundabout.
5. Stay calm.
If you are in the wrong lane, follow it safely and, if necessary, go around the roundabout again.
How to make multi-lane roundabouts much easier
A multi-lane roundabout does not have to be complicated. The most important thing is to look ahead and choose the correct lane in good time.
First, determine which exit you need and then pay close attention to the traffic signs and road markings. Keep other road users in mind while driving and only change lanes when it is safe to do so.
If you have positioned yourself in the wrong lane, stay calm and do not try to make your exit at the last moment. Going around the roundabout again is always better than making a dangerous manoeuvre.
By practising regularly and consciously looking ahead, you will become more confident when driving on multi-lane roundabouts. Choosing the right lane starts before you even enter the roundabout.
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