Roundabouts - love them or hate them we all have to use them.
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And let's face it there are lots and lots throughout the Shoalhaven and the South Coast Police District.
But do we all know how to drive on and negotiate a roundabout properly?
Locally, we are seeing drivers approach roundabouts at speed, as though they automatically think they have the right of way, or because there are no other motorists on their right.
It is not a stop sign, it is a roundabout and you must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
We are also seeing motorists who have the right of way but are failing to enter the roundabout because they can see other motorists approaching at speed and choose safety rather than possibly being involved in an accident.
Many intersections have a central roundabout, which are designed to manage the traffic flow in roads with either a single lane or multiple lanes.
The Roads and Maritime Services has some guidelines -
Approaching a roundabout: Vehicles entering a roundabout must give way to any vehicle already in the roundabout.
Giving way at a roundabout: The driver must slow down and if necessary, stop to avoid a collision.
Turning left: On your approach to a roundabout you must select the left lane, signal left, stay in the left lane to exit.
Going straight ahead: Do not signal when approaching the roundabout but always signal left before exiting a roundabout. You may approach the roundabout from either left or right lanes (unless there are road markings with other instructions), drive in the same lane through the roundabout and exit in the same lane.
Turning right: On your approach, to a roundabout you must select the right lane, signal right, stay in the right lane and signal left before exiting into the right lane.
Making a U-turn: When you use the roundabout to make a U-turn on your approach signal right from the right lane, stay in the right lane, but signal left before exiting into the right lane.
Exiting a roundabout: If practical, you must always signal left when exiting a roundabout.
The rules for slowing down, giving way and signalling when approaching and exiting at roundabouts are the same for single lane and multi-lane roundabouts.
Bicycle riders are allowed to turn right from the left hand lane. When passing each exit, the rider must give way to any vehicle leaving the roundabout from that exit.
Things to watch -
Take extra care whenever you drive in a roundabout.
Keep an eye out for cars that are leaving the roundabout.
Be careful if changing lanes in a roundabout, particularly when leaving.
Look out for vehicles that are making a full turn.
Watch for bicycles, long vehicles and motorcycles.
Thefts from cars - Once again we have had reports of items being stolen from and cars broken into.
I know I'm sounding like a broken record but people please lock your cars and don't leave valuables inside.
You are just giving thieves an easy target.
Remember - lock your cars and remove valuables.
As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.
Don't forget, cops are tops.
Read more: Crime/Court