Missoula has seen an influx of traffic roundabouts over the past few years, so for some, it's a very confusing time.

You know who I'm talking about. The nervous faces behind steering wheels that express fear and bewilderment as they contemplate how to get in and out of the roundabout. Honestly, it's not that tough. The drivers currently in the circle have the right away, as you approach, hold your horses until there's a spot for you to safely enter the circle. Easy.

The Montana Department of Transportation offers the following help.

  1. Approach the roundabout as you would a typical four-way intersection. Be in the right approach lane if you intend to turn right, be in the left approach lane if you intend on making a left or U-turn, and any approach lane is OK if you are proceeding straight.
  2. Upon approaching the roundabout, stay to the right of the splitter island and SLOW DOWN to 10-15 mph.
  3. Watch for bicyclists and allow for them to merge into the entry lane.
  4. Watch for and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk or waiting to cross.
  5. YIELD to traffic already in the roundabout.
  6. Once you’re in the roundabout, do not stop except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic. Always keep to the right of the central island and travel in a counterclockwise direction. Maintain a slow speed and DO NOT PASS other vehicles.
  7. Look for your street, use your right-turn signal and exit the roundabout.
  8. As you exit the roundabout, watch for and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.

You can do this Missoula! And no matter how long you take to enter the circle, ALWAYS go counterclockwise, never go clockwise in the circle, or you'll wind up like this fool in the video below.

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