Bad Design Or Bad Drivers? Why Do Bozemanites Have Such An Issue?

Everyone has their pet peeves, right?  For me, one of the things that will take me from calm and cool to road rage in just a few seconds is folks that don't grasp basic driving rules and principles.

As Bozeman continues to grow, so do the number of roundabouts around town. I understand that roundabouts have been part of the scene in Europe for many years, however, this ain't Europe, and some drivers here in Bozeman have some serious issues when it comes to maneuvering through a roundabout. In fact, I've watched numerous times as people have come to a stop and just sort of looked at each other like "well, what do we do now?"

Good News! I'm going to pass along the "proper" way to approach AND drive through a roundabout.

According to defensivedriving.com, there is certainly a right way to approach and drive-thru a roundabout.

"The first and most important rule of a roundabout is that you give way to vehicles that are already occupying it. Just as you would when entering a regular road, you must wait until there is sufficient space to enter the roundabout."

So, if you are coming up on a roundabout and someone is already in the roundabout, then you yield, simple right?  You would think so. So what about the right of way?  Well, when it comes to roundabouts the "right of way" isn't necessarily the right of way.

"When two or more vehicles approach a roundabout at the same time, you must then give way to the vehicle to the left. Otherwise it is first come, first served."

Ok, so let me get this straight.  Two cars pull up at the same time, the advantage goes to the driver on the left? Got it.  I mean, this doesn't seem that difficult, right? Yet, I would be willing to bet that if you were to hang out around any of Bozeman's roundabouts you would see folks all kinds of confused.

So, if you already know the roundabout rules, by all means, go on with your life.  However, if you or someone you know could benefit from this information, then please, read over it and share it with those that need it most.