Travelsmart Driving Tips
More than 20 years ago Noosa embraced the concept of roundabouts to manage traffic at intersections in order to avoid the "big city" symbols of traffic lights.
By following the Australian Road Rules you are showing courtesy to fellow road users, ensure traffic flows efficiently and may avoid a fine.
- Plan ahead so you are in the correct lane before reaching the roundabout.
- Roadway arrows on the approach to roundabouts show where you must position your vehicle. TRAVEL ONLY IN THE DIRECTION INDICATED BY THE ARROWS.
- GIVE WAYto all vehicles already on the roundabout. Only enter the roundabout when there is a safe gap in the traffic.
- Turns that occur at roundabouts can be described by imagining a clock face. 12 o"clock is straight ahead. Any turn before 12 o"clock is a left turn; any turn after 12 o"clock is a right turn.
- If going straight ahead (12 o"clock) do NOT indicate when entering the roundabout, but drivers MUST indicate left when exiting the roundabout.
- If turning left (before 12 o"clock), you MUST use your left indicator when entering and leaving the roundabout.
- If turning right (after 12 o"clock), you MUST use your right indicator when entering and left indicator when leaving the roundabout.
- STAY IN THE CORRECT LANE. There is some occasions where you need to change lanes before exiting - Drivers changing lanes must Give Way to other vehicles on the roundabout.
- On a two-lane roundabout that merges into one traffic lane, the vehicle in the right lane (or inside lane) has right of way when merging.
Full details of the Australian Road Rules including Roundabouts and a brochure that can be downloaded providing diagrams on how to use roundabouts are available from Queensland Transport's website - www.transport.qld.gov.au/safety - look for Australian Road Rules.
