Signalling on roundabouts

Tilt

Mrs_Imp wrote: »

I'm going by the highway code which says to indicate left to exit a roundabout.

Of course you are. But most aspects of the highway code are advisorary and would be dependent on the many different types of road layout scenarios. As I have said (more than once), there is no question of indicating left when leaving a multi-lane or motorway type round-a-bout. But small or mini-round-a-bouts with just say 3 exits which are close together, it seems pointless and can in fact cause confusion. However, the OP's point was drivers indicating right when they are in fact going straight ahead. That in my opinion is incompetent driving.

Surely the bottom line heavily depends on each road scenario to how you use your indicators. After being a PCV driver for over 30 years, you tend to understand what signals to give and if you get it wrong, you tend to find out the hard way.

Richard53

Lum wrote: »

I usually go with a flash for that one since a wave from inside a car is less likely to be seen, yes technically in violation of the highway code, but it works and it helps people out.

As you say it helps everybody out.

In the car, I would probably give a quick flash (against the HC, I know, but we all do it and it's rarely misunderstood). I was on the bike, though, which has a hardwired headlight, and I'm never sure if a flash would be seen easily as the light is already on. A hand signal is unambiguous.

In the car, I sometimes (if it's likely that the signal could be seen in the light conditions) use the old left-turn signal of the hand held palm-out across the LHS of the screen. That's no longer in the HC (I think) but it pleases me to be a bit old-skool sometimes. (The 'correct' left signal of the right hand whirling pointlessly somewhere round the driver's door handle is unlikely to be seen by a car waiting in a side-road.)

Lum

Joe_Horner wrote: »

Surely that depends on whether what you're wearing means you need to take both hands from the wheel?

What? :huh:

Richard53

Lum wrote: »

What? :huh:

'Flash' - two meanings

Lum

Tilt wrote: »

Of course you are. But most aspects of the highway code are advisorary and would be dependent on the many different types of road layout scenarios. As I have said (more than once), there is no question of indicating left when leaving a multi-lane or motorway type round-a-bout.

If anything I'd argue that this type of roundabout is least likely to need a signal.

On that sort of roundabout you generally get in the correct lane, and simply by staying between two white lines you are whisked away to the correct exit.

Of course, many people don't get the correct lane, and would therefore need to signal a lane change. Someone who doesn't signal you assume they are going to stay in their lane. If they don't exit as planned they're likely going to plough into a road sign.

There's a bit of a grey area between, really big roundabout and really small one-way system.

sazpot

I was taught to drive in 2002.

When approaching a roundabout, signal left if you intend to take the 1st exit only. Do not signal if you wish to go straight on. Signal right only when going right or 3rd exit plus.

On large roundabouts you should signal left for moving lanes/exiting.

On MINI roundabouts (single lane only) I was taught that you only need signal on approach, not to exit.

The most important thing is to be in the right lane and move across at the correct point.

mad_rich

Richard53 wrote: »

The 'correct' left signal of the right hand whirling pointlessly somewhere round the driver's door handle is unlikely to be seen by a car waiting in a side-road.)

I wonder how many drivers these days would understand that. It has always seemed a little unintuitive to me.

The last time I saw a car driver using hand signals was my mum in her old mini sometime in the 80s. It was raining, which had habit of messing up the indicators, so she reverted to hand signals.

I don't think anyone understood it then, either...

Richard53

mad_rich wrote: »

I wonder how many drivers these days would understand that. It has always seemed a little unintuitive to me.

It's more intuitive than the traditional signal of slapping the driver's door as if you were telling a horse to giddy-up - to signify slowing down ...

But tell that to the kids these days ...

Joe_Horner

Richard53 wrote: »

It's more intuitive than the traditional signal of slapping the driver's door as if you were telling a horse to giddy-up - to signify slowing down ...

That one still seems to work quite well for warning oncoming drivers [STRIKE]of a speed trap[/STRIKE] to moderate their speed in the interests of road safety because of a hazard you've just passed.

alastairq

HAving taken [and passed!] three PSV tests..and an HGV 3 test, in the very early 1970's..I can affirm the Highway Code gave the same formula for signaling and road position [unless road markings state otherwise] remain the same as today.

Even for 'small' roundabouts.'

This particularly because, even with a small roundabout, often one cannot see clearly what signals were given by a vehicle when it approached...and it may indeed be turning past your own entry point..ie going all the way around.

NO signal visible..or a right turn signal means [to me] the other vehicle is coming across in front of me.

A failure to apply the left [for exit] signal is annoying..but in the end,a 'safe' option...again...for me, as I won't' stomp [pull] out.


As someone who taught licence-acquisition at all levels [once...cannot be bothered these days]...I find the current signalling techniques for MINI-r/bouts to be confusing for others, often not necessary...and mainly, forgetting the original reasons for the presence of a mini r/bout in the first place.

IE...unless intending to take the first exit...I agree to not counter-signalling for the subsequent intended exits.

To do so, and to claim statutory credibility for such action is, in my view, folly...as it forgets what types of vehicle maybe using that mini r/bout?

In other words, it is advocated by those who deal with cars or motorcycles...but who obviously have no knowledge of the larger vehicle categories.

If driving a very long vehicle [compared to a car , certainly}...it is often forgotten whereabouts on the road the rear indicator will be....when the left [counter] signal comes on?

And what that might mean to a 16-year old on a hairdryer?

[I have a similar issue with those who teach/train advanced motorcycling...where a road position on a left bend, of being close to the centre line, is advocated [for reasons of vision]...by not understanding what affects a lorry driver coming the other way [a right bend for them].....and the fact that, with the best will in the world, that lorry will have its rear wheels very close to the centre line...by dint of length and width of vehicle.

Right close by the position advocated for a motorcyclist!

With nothing the lorry driver can do to improve matters....!

Very clever!