Learn roundabout rules

With Cape Girardeau's newest roundabout set to open soon, I'd like to provide information on how to use this traffic device. According to basic Missouri driving instruction, which many seem to have missed out on, navigating a roundabout is very simple.

Before you enter the roundabout, choose your lane based on where you're going.

Slow down before you enter the roundabout.

Yield to all traffic already in the roundabout. This means actually looking for traffic before entering.

Only enter in front of a vehicle already in the roundabout if you have enough space to do so safely.

Vehicle speeds should be 20 mph or less.

After entering the roundabout, remain in your lane, change lanes only when traffic is clear.

Vehicles in the roundabout do NOT yield to entering traffic.

Never pass or drive next to a truck in a roundabout.

Do not block emergency vehicles.

U-turns are only allowed from the left lane.

Only experienced bicyclists should drive through the roundabout.

Hopefully this bit of information will help curb accidents in this intersection and, as always, buckle up.

JIM E. RUSSELL, Cape Girardeau