A 3-minute lesson from the South Dakota course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Intersections are where paths cross, so don't count on others to obey signals or give you room. Roundabouts keep everyone moving one way and sharply cut the most serious crashes.
After stopping, look left, then right, then left again before entering. When the light turns green, don't move immediately; make sure the path is clear and you have a big enough gap.
Roundabouts move traffic one way, counterclockwise. Compared with other intersection controls they reduce fatal crashes about 90%, injury crashes about 75%, and all crashes about 35%.
In a roundabout with two or more lanes, choose your lane before entering using the black-and-white signs and white pavement arrows: generally the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right; for straight ahead, follow the signs.
You're circling a roundabout when a siren sounds behind you. Don't stop inside. Continue to your exit, leave the roundabout, then pull over and let the ambulance pass.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What is the recommended order for checking traffic before entering an intersection?
Look left, then right, then left again
Look straight ahead only
Look behind first, then ahead
Look right, then left only
Answer: Look left, then right, then left again
It is recommended to look left, then right, then left again before entering an intersection.
