42% of drivers have had ‘near miss’ on Irish roundabouts, 3% have had a collision

45% of Irish motorists have been involved in a collision or near miss on a roundabout within the last 3 years, a survey by AA motor insurance can reveal.  3% of these were actual collisions whereas 42% admitted to having a close call, the survey of more than 6,800 motorists reveals.  This follows the results of an earlier AA motor insurance survey where drivers cited “lack of signaling on roundabouts” as one of the most common driver errors they regularly observe. 
Of those who have been involved in an incident on roundabouts, AA motor insurance learned that 8% admitted to being at fault.   A further 72% blamed the driver of another car.  Following this 7% said a van or truck driver was culpable.  And 3% attributed blame to a motorcyclist.  Pedestrians or cyclists were very rarely listed as the cause.
3% of women admitted to being involved in an actual roundabout collision compared with 2% of men.  On the other hand, men are far more likely to have had a close shave with 47% stating they were involved in a near collision.  35% of women said the same.
“Irish people seem to have a bit of a special relationship with roundabouts,” comments Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Policy.  “Drivers are inexplicably lax when it comes to using their indicators which makes negotiating multilane roundabouts like the Walkinstown and Kinsale Road Roundabouts for example, both with 3 lanes particularly daunting.  This lack of indication often makes for a ‘will he/won’t he type guessing game for those trying to enter roundabouts.”
“Now that the mornings have started to get icy, drivers should be especially careful on these and other roundabouts as they are essentially like one continuous bend,” says Faughnan.
Negotiating roundabouts in icy weather
“When approaching a roundabout in icy conditions, drivers should reduce their speed and allow plenty of stopping distance as they’re far more likely to skid,” advises Faughnan.  “When joining roundabout traffic, you should avoid sudden acceleration and maintain a slow and steady speed.  And of course use your indicators when exiting.”
Rules of the Road for roundabouts

1. When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed in anticipation of the fact that you may need to yield.  You should also take this opportunity to read the roundabout directional sign to determine in advance the exit you will need to take.
2. If entering a multilane roundabout position yourself in the correct lane well in advance of the roundabout.
3. Traffic on the roundabout will always have right of way.  When you’re first in the queue to enter the roundabout observe traffic coming from your right and wait for a gap where you can safely merge with the moving traffic.
4. Once in the roundabout follow the flow of traffic until you are approaching your exit.
5. Use your indicators in a timely fashion when approaching your exit.
6. If taking the 1st exit you should indicate left when queuing to enter the roundabout.
7. If taking the 2^nd exit only indicate left once you’ve past the 1^st exit.
8. If taking the third exit, indicate right until you are past the 2^nd exit.  Then indicate left to signal your intent to exit.
9. If taking the last exit indicate right until you are past the previous exit.  Then indicate left to signal your intent to exit.

Ends
Notes
Fig. 1 Number of people who have been involved in a roundabout collision within the last 3 years:

Fig. 2 Party respondents considered responsible for their collision/ ‘near miss’ on a roundabout within the last 3 years: