In many European countries, there is an increasing number of intersections with roundabout traffic. The same trend is observed in Poland. It’s worth noting that many new installations of this kind are turbo roundabouts. Their layout is very similar to traditional solutions but differs in specifics. Knowing the rules governing such roads is essential to understand how to navigate them. Read our article to learn everything about this topic.
What is a turbo roundabout?
The concept originated in the Netherlands. It was there that the first installation of this type was created, and very quickly, it found application in other countries. But what exactly is a turbo roundabout, and how does it differ from the standard one? In its layout, there are more traffic lanes available for driving. While a regular roundabout has only one lane, in this case, there must be at least two, separated by various types of dividers (such as islands or poles). Additionally, the rules of traffic are the same—with minor exceptions.
Driving rules on a turbo roundabout
Before entering the roundabout, it’s essential to choose the correct lane. There won’t be another opportunity to change lanes afterward. Therefore, if a driver intends to turn right at the turbo roundabout, they should position themselves in the far-right lane. If they wish to turn left, they must follow the traffic flow designated by road signs. Similarly, this applies to driving straight. The rules are determined by both horizontal and vertical road signs, so it’s crucial always to check them.
The most crucial aspect for drivers is to adhere to the entry scheme onto the roundabout. Taking the wrong lane may hinder turning in the desired direction.
How to drive on a turbo roundabout? Some tips
The driver must pay special attention to the “give way” sign, if one is present on the turbo roundabout. The procedure is clear – yield to all traffic before joining. If there is no such sign, the rule of giving way to the right applies.
When crossing a tramway at a roundabout intersection, remember that the tram always has the right of way.
To signal an exit, simply activate the indicator just before leaving the turbo roundabout. The principle is the same as on other roads. Knowing how to navigate a standard roundabout helps in understanding how to act in this case.
Turbo roundabouts – summary
As seen, navigating these types of intersections is quite straightforward. This is directly attributed to their layout. And they are not called collision-free without reason. If road rules and regulations are followed, the chance of causing an accident is close to zero. That’s precisely why more road infrastructure experts are opting for turbo roundabouts. Hopefully, you now know how to drive on this type of structure, so encountering one on your route won’t catch you off guard.
