Put the hot chicken down! In all seriousness, roundabouts can be a little confusing if you're not used to driving in them. As traffic gets more and more congested around Nashville, roundabouts are becoming a less expensive option to regulate traffic, as well as use less energy.
We're showing you the CORRECT way to navigate a roundabout in Nashville.
1. Approach with caution. Slow down when approaching a roundabout. The cars already inside the roundabout have the right-of-way. Be sure to look out for pedestrians and emergency vehicles who also have the right-of-way. Keep both hands on the wheel! No eating or writing songs.
2. Look left for traffic (or golf carts!) and enter the roundabout. It's best to stay around 15-20 miles per hour.
3. Enter the roundabout according to where you want to exit. If turning right, enter the right lane. If going straight, left or a U-turn, enter in the left lane. Make sure there is a safe gap in both lanes when entering.
4. Try not to change lanes once you're in the roundabout unless you are exiting.
5. Use your blinker! If you do need to change lanes or exit, be sure to use your blinker.
6. Exit. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and emergency vehicles as you prepare to exit as they have the right-of-way.
7. Do not stop in the middle of the roundabout. The roundabout is a way to keep traffic moving continuously, and stopping will cause confusion and potentially, an accident. If an emergency vehicle is entering, exit out of the nearest destination and then pull over.
TIP: If you see a semi entering a roundabout, give them some space! Their turning radius is larger and they need more room to turn.
It's all fun and games until someone gets into an accident. Be sure to practice safe driving techniques in roundabouts.