As police begin tighter enforcement of traffic laws, South Australian drivers are being asked to strengthen their command of the rules pertaining to roundabouts. Those who do not abide by the give way rules, choose the wrong lane, or do not signal when leaving a roundabout can now be fined $482 and lose two demerit points. Authorities highlight the primary purpose of these rules is to enhance safety and minimize confusion at intersections, which are often the the site of serious traffic accidents.
Why the Rules About Roundabouts are Important
Roundabouts are a vital component in improving the safety of traffic flows and decreasing the probability of collisions more so than traditional intersections. However, a study by the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport shows that many motorists do not fully grasp who has the right of way or when to indicate. This lack of understanding is not only a drawback to the traffic, but it presents a danger to both the motorists and those walking.
Most Frequent Offences
According to police, the main offences are:
Entering the roundabout without giving way to vehicles inside the roundabout.
Not indicating when leaving the roundabout.
Not following the correct lane order, particularly in a multi-lane roundabout.
Even the slightest of errors can cause a dangerous situation. These are the very mistakes police are targeting, and they are most prevalent in the busy area of the city and the suburbs.
Explanations of the Penalties and Demerit Points
Like all other fines, the $482 penalty for misuse of a roundabout is neither a joke nor a light expenditure. In addition, roundabout misuse, like other offences, is attributed demerit points, which can hinder obtaining a driver’s license. Incessant infringement of the law can result in license suspension, particularly for provisional license holders. To the authorities, there is a correlation between the enforcement of the law and compliance towards the law.
What’s Necessary for the Drivers To Remember
In order to circumvent fines, motorists are recommended to comply with these basic rules: always give way to cars in the roundabout, use lanes as per direction signs, and signal when leaving the roundabout. Out of all these rules, the last one is the most disregarded. Nevertheless, failing to signal when exiting is detrimental to one of the goals of roundabout driving: safety.
Future of Road Safety Campaigns
The South Australian Police intends to continue with road safety campaigns, particularly in enforcement areas that have a high volume of traffic. In their opinion, aims of reducing the number of preventable accidents and ensuring the smooth movement of traffic at intersections can be addressed through the combination of proper enforcement and education. As a result, drivers are reminded to brush up on their driving rules in order to avoid unnecessary financial liabilities.