It seems that we have a lot of drivers in Central Oregon who are unaware of the rules for driving in roundabouts. They are relatively new traffic features, and new rules have been adopted for driving in roundabouts. Some drivers are not aware of these rule changes, and as a result we have a lot of dumb and lazy drivers out there. Some of these drivers will use their turn signals at an ordinary intersection but do not signal when leaving a roundabout, not realizing that they are both intersections. That’s dumb, lazy and dangerous. I’ll cover more on the signaling subject a little later on.

Some drivers may have gotten their licenses before roundabouts became popular and may not be aware of these newer rules, but remember the saying, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.” To not know the rules is dumb and can be costly. I have a friend who got a ticket for not obeying the rules, and the fine was $80. You can go to the Oregon DMV office and get a copy of the manual or simply go to the Oregon DMV website, click on the manual and go to pages 41-42. Or if you are too lazy to look it up, just follow the rules below. I do not work for the DMV, so I offer just useful information based on the manual.

There are three basic rules to follow when you’re driving in a roundabout. They are yield, drive slowly and signal when you leave the roundabout. These rules are easy to remember and just as easy to obey. So let’s review.

1. Roundabouts have a sign to indicate that you should yield to a driver already in the roundabout. That does not mean it’s time to play “chicken” or barge in. Most drivers obey this rule, but there are some dumb ones out there.

2. Drive slowly. Most roundabouts are posted at 15 mph. Powers Road is not posted with a speed limit, but when you check your manual it states that you should not pass a bicyclist in a roundabout, and you are probably traveling at the same speed: i.e. 15 MPH. Lots of dumb drivers break this rule. Remember a roundabout is a different kind of intersection and you are driving in a tight circle.

3. Signal when you leave a roundabout. Notice the manual states on page 42: “Always indicate your intent to exit using your right turn signal.”

Notice, this rule says always. Not sometimes or when you feel like it or why bother. It says always. That means every time, no exceptions, always.

This rule is most often broken, leading me to believe there are a lot of dumb/lazy drivers in Central Oregon. How much effort does it take to use your turn signal? Or have they forgotten it is still an intersection, which is dumb. These rules are designed to avoid accidents. Signaling on exit is more than a safety measure and a courtesy to other drivers. It’s the law!

There are some other helpful tips and rules in the manual, especially regarding multiple-lane roundabouts, but these three will keep you from being a dumb/lazy driver and without a ticket. The rules are easy to remember and just as easy to obey. Getting into the habit of following all of the rules in the drivers manual will make you a safer, more courteous and law-abiding driver.

— Harry Godsil lives in Bend.