How does a roundabout work and who has the right-of-way? What Kentucky traffic law says
Have you ever approached a roundabout and had a driver in the circle stop to let you in? While people may do this with good intentions, it’s not how modern roundabouts are meant to be used.
Roundabouts are lauded by the U.S. Department of Transportation because they “can substantially reduce crashes that result in serious injury or death” and promote slower driving.
They are increasingly popular, as well. A 2022 estimate from an engineer says the U.S. has about 9,000 roundabouts, up from approximately 300 in the 1990s. At least one Kentucky city, Elizabethtown, is set to get 10 more roundabouts by fall 2024, WLKY reported in February.
Here’s what to know about roundabouts and how to safely navigate them in Kentucky.
How should you use Kentucky roundabouts?
Since an English reform in 1966 “launched the modern roundabout revolution,” roundabouts have given the right-of-way to those already within the circle, requiring entering vehicles to yield before proceeding.
Those already in the roundabout have the right-of-way in Kentucky and in other states. Drivers approaching a roundabout should yield to any pedestrians in crosswalks, then slowly enter the roundabout when there is a break in oncoming traffic.
You should never stop in a roundabout, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials say, though motorists should pull over to the right to let emergency vehicles pass.
Bicyclists are allowed in roundabouts in the Bluegrass State just like other vehicles, and motorists should not pass cyclists within a roundabout.
Roundabouts can make intersections safer by reducing the number of potential collision points and by reducing drivers’ speed, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. They can also reduce congestion, Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet reports.
Although many government agencies consider roundabouts a safer alternative to intersections signalized with traffic lights, some residents aren’t fans.
In 2021, the Herald-Leader reported on a roundabout installed near the line between Rowan and Bath counties. Some Kentucky residents made social media posts criticizing the decision to put the roundabout there, and a video meant to show drivers how not to use roundabouts went viral.
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