[Car crash at a roundabout?] How to use roundabouts/spirals correctly｜When to turn on the lights｜Choosing lanes｜Explanation of right of way

The original intention of setting up roundabouts is to make traffic flow smoother at intersections without having to wait for traffic lights. However, many roundabouts in Hong Kong have become traffic accident black spots. In addition to drivers not paying attention to road conditions, insufficient knowledge of traditional roundabouts and spirals is also one of the causes of accidents. Let's first look at how to distinguish between traditional roundabouts and spirals.

When approaching a roundabout

Before entering a roundabout/spiral,You will see a triangular sign about 100 meters ahead that says 'roundabout'. This means there will be a roundabout ahead. About 50 meters before the roundabout/spiral, you will see a large blue sign that says "Directions".。

Traditional roundabout:

Roundabouts are shown as circles.A single straight line is used to indicate the connecting roads to other exits。

Spiral:

Roundabouts are shown as circles.One or more curved lines surround the outside, and extend to other road exits. 

According to the Transport Department’s ‘How much do you know about the rules for using roundabouts?’, when approaching a roundabout, you should slow down, decide as early as possible which exit you will take, drive into the correct lane, make sure there are no other vehicles approaching from the right, and turn left into the roundabout when it is safe.

Traditional roundabout:

• If you take the first exit to leave the roundabout (i.e. turn left), turn on the left turn signal and follow the left lane to enter and exit the roundabout.

• If you need to take the second exit (i.e. go straight), you can enter the roundabout along the left or right lane. After passing the first exit, turn on the left turn signal and exit the roundabout along the original lane (generally, vehicles in the left lane cannot turn right, but for the sake of caution, it is recommended that vehicles in the right lane check whether there are other vehicles approaching from the left when leaving the roundabout).

• If you need to leave the roundabout from the third exit (i.e. turn right), you should first turn on the right signal and enter the roundabout along the right lane. When approaching the exit, turn on the left turn signal and pay attention to the vehicles in the left lane. After ensuring that the situation is safe, continue to leave the roundabout along the right lane.

Spiral:

• If you take the first exit to leave the roundabout (i.e. turn left), turn on the left turn signal and follow the left lane to enter and exit the roundabout.

• If you need to take the second exit (i.e. go straight), you can enter the roundabout along the left or right lane. After passing the first exit, turn on the left turn signal and exit the roundabout along the original lane (generally, vehicles in the left lane cannot turn right, but for the sake of caution, it is recommended that vehicles in the right lane check whether there are other vehicles approaching from the left when leaving the roundabout).

• If you need to leave the roundabout from the third exit (i.e. turn right), you should first turn on the right signal and enter the roundabout along the right lane. When approaching the exit, turn on the left turn signal and pay attention to the vehicles in the left lane. After ensuring that the situation is safe, continue to drive out of the roundabout along the right lane.

From the above usage, we can see that the traditional roundabout and the spiral are exactly the same! The difference is that the left lane vehicles are not allowed to turn right at the spiral, and there are road signs on the ground to indicate the direction of travel.This causes some drivers to worry about not being able to leave the intended exit in time when driving along the right lane, so they occupy the left lane for a long time, increasing the chance of traffic accidents.

Although the rules for the use of roundabouts are so clear, why do roundabouts in Hong Kong still cause many traffic accidents? The main reason is the priority issue when cars are leaving.

• Using a traditional roundabout: Vehicles travelling along the inner lane must give way to vehicles travelling along the outer lane before leaving the roundabout.

• Using the new roundabout: vehicles travelling along the outer lane must give way to vehicles leaving the roundabout from the inner lane first

Whether it is a traditional roundabout or a spiral, look to the right when entering and to the left when exitingDevelop good defensive driving habits to prevent vehicles from crossing your line from the left rear. Also, be aware of longer cars that may cross the line when entering and exiting roundabouts, causing Traffic Accidents。

Roundabout blackspots where traffic accidents have occurred include:

Tsuen Tsing Interchange(Tsuen Wan Road)

Tsuen Kam Interchange(Texaco Road North / Wai Tsuen Road)

Sai Kung Nam Pin Wai Roundabout

Tai Wai Station Spiral

Axe Hill Road Roundabout, Diamond Hill

Tseung Kwan O Film Road / Po Ning Road Spiral

Spiral at Sheung Tak Estate, Tseung Kwan O