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Letter: Let's all practice proper roundabout etiquette

While I am wholeheartedly in favour of the new roundabout, I foresee a lot of confusion and chaos, due to the fact the majority of motorists who received their driver's education in this country are clueless about how to negotiate them.

Dear editor,

Re: "Construction underway for new roundabout south of Airdrie," article, April 15, Airdrie City View

I read with interest last week's story about the new roundabout to be built at Range Road 11 and Highway 566 (Balzac Road).

While I am wholeheartedly in favour of the roundabout, I foresee a lot of confusion and chaos, due to the fact the majority of motorists who received their driver's education in this country are clueless about how to navigate them. I witness this almost daily on the single-lane roundabout at 40 Avenue and Windsong Boulevard in Airdrie, where drivers do not signal their intentions.

According to the story, this new roundabout is to be a two-lane version. For the uninitiated this is how it goes; if, when approaching the roundabout, you want to turn right at the first exit, then keep to the right-hand lane and signal right. To go straight ahead and take the second exit, keep to the right-hand lane and signal right after you have passed the first exit to show other motorists you are leaving. To go left, signal left and move to the left-hand lane before you enter the roundabout and once you have passed the second exit, signal right to indicate you are leaving the roundabout. The same applies if you are doing a complete 180 to come back the way you came.

The rules are simple, and if we are to have more roundabouts in the future, it is high time that driving schools start teaching their pupils how to use them properly, as it is apparent people do not do so currently. Signaling not only exhibits good driving skills, it is also common sense and good manners.

David Cummings

Airdrie


Airdrie Today Staff

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