Traffic 101: How to Avoid a Run-In at Redmond's New Roundabouts

Roundabouts are now a part of daily life for many unincorporated Redmond residents.

As part of the ongoing Novelty Hill construction project, King County has installed two roundabouts, one at Union Hill Road and 196th Avenue Northeast, and another at Novelty Hill Road and 195th Avenue Northeast.

A reader contacted us earlier this week to say many drivers haven't learned how to safely proceed through the intersections with new roundabouts: "No one seems to know that the people in the circle have the right of way and people entering the circle have to yield."

Have you witnessed any collisions or near-misses at Redmond's new roundabouts? Tell us in the comments section.

For those in need of a refresher, here are some tips from King County's Road Services Division: 

• SLOW down. A speed of 15 mph or less is appropriate throughout the roundabout.
• LOOK for pedestrians at the crosswalks as you approach and exit the roundabout. Stop for pedestrians; they have the right-of-way.
• YIELD to all vehicles in the roundabout. Look to your left and wait for a gap in the circulating traffic before entering.
• ENTER the roundabout. Once in the circulating lane, do not stop and do not overtake vehicles ahead of you.
• EXIT the roundabout in the direction of your destination. Street signs are posted to guide you.

King County touts roundabouts as a safer, cheaper and more efficient alternative to traffic signals. For more information, check out the attached PDF from King County, or visit WSDOT's "How to use a roundabout" web page.