The Ann Arbor Independent Editorial Team

This video prepared by MDOT demonstrates how drivers should be using a roundabout. It’s not the traffic flow seen in many of Ann Arbor’s roundabouts. This is why the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office released a guide on how drivers should approach a roundabout. Together with the guide, April 4 -May 1 Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County drivers will be targeted as a part of a collaborative roundabout enforcement operation.

“The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Ann Arbor Police Department and Pittsfield Department of Public Safety will step up patrols in designated high-crash roundabouts in Washtenaw County,” officials said in a release.

“Officers will conduct traffic stops for violations and will also hand out educational pamphlets to motorists. This takes place from April 4 through May 1. The goal is to reduce crashes at the 18 roundabouts in Washtenaw County. Most crashes occur due to failing to yield and improper lane usage (turning from the wrong lane).”

In lists compiled of the most dangerous intersections in Michigan, Ann Arbor roundabouts have been included among the top spots cited. The roundabout at South State and Ellsworth was ranked among the top 50 most dangerous intersections in the state in a 2016 crash report released by the Michigan State Police and among the top ten most dangerous roundabouts in the state. There were a total of 59 crashes in that roundabout in 2016 and 170 reported crashes in 2014.

MDOT officials joined police to release some instructions on how to drive a roundabout:

1. Choose your lane before entering
2. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
3. Yield to pedestrian in crosswalks
4. Use signs and pavement marking to help you guide

The graphic, below, shows correct lane use within a roundabout.