Blinker wars: Quiz on correct roundabout rules sparks intense debate
A simple question about the right way to indicate on a roundabout has sparked a debate after some drivers disagreed with the correct answer.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) tested its Facebook users on their road rules knowledge by posting a photo of a blue car entering a roundabout.
“The blue car wants to travel straight ahead at the roundabout. How should they indicate?”
The post garnered hundreds of comments and despite majority of users getting the answer right, it was alarming how many people failed the simple test.
Some believed the driver wasn’t required to indicate at all when driving straight through the roundabout, a mistake that could result in a $393 fine.
“No blinker required,” said one person.
“Who in Qld uses an indicator when going straight and exiting … no one, no need to start today,” said another.
Other people were certain that indication was required when entering and exiting the roundabout.
“Yes the car should indicate when entering and exiting the roundabout as it has two lanes,” one motorist wrote.
Another driver said the motorist going straight through has the option to indicate right on entry but is obligated to indicate left when leaving the roundabout.
One user agreed, saying they were sure it was “right on entry and left on exit”, but changed their mind after searching up the rule.
“Ugh. Just checked. Looks like I was wrong. I will track down my driving instructor from a billion years ago and have a word with him. Jerk shouted at me when I didn’t indicate on entry going straight ahead,” they wrote.
TMR later on revealed the correct answer, saying the driver only has to indicate when exiting the roundabout.
“Because they’re travelling straight through, the driver of the blue car *doesn’t* need to indicate when they enter the roundabout,” the post read.
“They do though need to flick on the left indicator to exit the roundabout (and off again once they’ve exited).”