Roundabouts! Unmarked roundabout, 3 lanes to enter it and 3 exits. Which lane do I use to take the 2nd exit?

Question

3 exits, 1st is at 8 o'clock, 2nd is at 10 o'clock and 3rd is at 2 o'clock. I am coming from 6 o'clock eg the 4th exit, it has 3 lanes to enter the roundabout. The exit that I want only has one lane. Can a car in the left lane take the 2nd exit, can myself in the middle lane take the 2nd exit? We then have two cars, side by side, heading for a single lane!!! Who has right of way or should the car in the left lane only turn left? No road markings remember. Hope that all makes sense!

Answer 1

I'd go for the first lane if I wasn't sure the first time. but I would watch the other road users and do what they did the next time!

Answer 2

A lot of it depends on how many lanes the first exit has. If its more than one, definitely use the middle lane for second exit.

If it has only one, it may depend on how many lanes the third exit has. If this is more than one, I would use the left lane, as the traffic in middle and right are more likely taking the third exit.

If they all have one lane exits, definitely use the middle lane.

By following this, you will either be avoiding the majority of traffic, or following an 'even amount of traffic approach.'

Answer 3

If it wasn't for the 3 lanes to enter the roundabout and just 2 I would say left lane. But without lane markings - sounds dangerous and I bet a lot of near misses

Answer 4

I was taught that if you are turning off before 12o'clock then you should be on the inside lane and if you are turning off after then it it should be the outside lane. My own views on your problem would be to use the middle lane. Watch other users. We have a three lane roundabout down here with markings and people still don't understand it. Just don't close your eyes and hope for the best.

Answer 5

i think that you should enter in the middle lane, as you are going straight across (if i understood correctly) the left lane should be for the first exit, the right should be for the third or forth exit (forth if you were going right round back where you came from) if you went in the third exit i think that technically it wouldn't be wrong but looking ahead and anticipating the exit route it would obviously make more sense to remain in the middle, so if you are in the middle lane and a car is beside you in the right lane you are of equal priority , just look to the other driver for signals of who is willing to give way, or ease of gas or ease on to show your intention. hope that has helped if not let me know and i will try again.

Answer 6

For your safety I would use the inside lane but do not indicate until you are actually passing the first exit. That way you have right of way. I've been driving for 38 years without an accident and this is the way I would approach it. The secret, if there is one, is in when you indicate. Do it too soon and the other driver may think you're taking the first exit. Ideally you indicate just as you pass the first exit.

Answer 7

You should use the middle of three lanes. The person in the left lane taking the second exit is wrong but that's small consolation if you have an accident.
I think it's good you are aware this CAN happen as it shows you are paying attention and reduces the risk of an accident.

Answer 8

valid lanes are either lane 1 or 2, but not 3
by defintion car in lane 1 would have priority as you would notionally be the over taking car. in the 'ideal' world you would have moved over to the outside of the roundabout AFTER the first exit

Answer 9

Left hand lane unless there's an obvious queue as traffic slows down to get off, in which case the middle lane seems the more prudent course. Whatever you opt for, be vigilant, as it sounds a horribly dangerous set up!

Answer 10

you should use either the inside (1st) lane or the middle lane. Highway code says the for left or straight on - i.e 1st or 2nd exit - you should use the inside lanes