With the introduction of roundabouts in Wellington County, the Seniors Centre for Excellence invited Wellington County OPP Constable Patrick Mullan to share his knowledge and experience on this style of intersection with seniors at a recent congregate dinner meeting.
Mullan has lived in various countries around the globe and has experienced different types of roundabouts in Australia, Greece, France and Ireland.
With roots in 1904, the roundabout has evolved in design and functionality over the years, beginning with the addition of yield signs.
In 1966 Frank Blackmore of the United Kingdom standardized the modern roundabout. By 1990 more of the driving population was exposed to roundabouts. In 2008, half of the world’s 30,000 roundabouts were in France. Today North American drivers utilize 3,500 roundabouts, which differ by signage, lane size and number of lanes depending on community needs.
Mullan asked the diners what scares them about roundabouts? Responses included that the structures are new, people don’t see a need for them, and needing time to adjust to using them.
“I will attempt to alleviate your fears by explaining the proper use of roundabouts,” Mullan said. “That way you can feel more comfortable driving on them.”
Mullan explained through the use of diagrams and videos that a conventional roundabout has three exits. When driving into the roundabout, exit one is the first exit on the right hand side, number two goes straight and number three is on the left hand side after a vehicle travels around the roundabout.
In Wellington County all roundabouts contain one lane only. When approaching a roundabout drivers should slow down – posted speed limits are 20km/h – obey yield signs and remember the vehicle in the roundabout has right of way, but pedestrians have priority.
Delay entry if large vehicles are using the roundabout. Large vehicles should make use of mirrors, slow down and use the track apron designed for larger vehicles.
If an emergency vehicle is following a vehicle on the roundabout, the vehicle should proceed through the roundabout and pull over to the side of the road after exiting.
“When entering the structure be prepared for pedestrians not paying attention and never assume all drivers will signal their turn. When approaching the splitter island where pedestrians may be crossing, look in all directions, even behind,” Mullan said. “When a pedestrian has reached the middle of the splitter island, vehicles are allowed to proceed.”
For more information and videos on roundabouts go to www. wellington.ca and www.youtube.com/user/Countyof Wellington.
