VICTORIA - Roundabouts are growing in popularity across Canada as a safe and efficient way to move traffic. This year, a number of roundabouts are being introduced in B.C. communities to improve safety and traffic flow, including the new McTavish Interchange on Highway 17 at McTavish Road in Victoria. If you’re unfamiliar with how to use a roundabout, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says: “Don’t worry - It’s simple, really.” A roundabout is a circular intersection without stop signs or electronic signals. Traffic flows counter-clockwise around a central island. There are four basic steps to remember when navigating a roundabout:

1. Approach - reduce your speed and choose your lane, watch for signs, pedestrians and cyclists.
2. Yield - yield to circulating traffic in the roundabout, wait for a safe gap.
3. Enter - choose the appropriate lane, enter to the right and continue counter clockwise until you reach your exit.
4. Exit - Use your right turn signal upon exiting, watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

Why It Matters:

The new McTavish Interchange opens April 9 to traffic. The interchange features two roundabouts. Roundabouts are growing in popularity across Canada and the U.S., due to proven safety benefits.

With its double roundabout design, the interchange will:

• Reduce idling, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions
• Keep vehicles moving safely and smoothly through both the roundabouts and the on and off ramps; 
• Improve access to the local road network; and
• Provide safer connections for both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Studies show that roundabouts see 35 per cent fewer accidents, 90 per cent fewer vehicle fatalities, and 76 per cent vehicle-related injuries.

Additional details and tips:

• Do not pass other vehicles in the roundabout.
• Do not stop inside the roundabout.
• If an emergency vehicle comes up behind you, pull to the right before entering the roundabout or after exiting to allow the vehicle to pass you.

Learn More at:

• Follow the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure on Twitter (twitter.com)
• Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
• How to use roundabouts 
• McTavish Interchange Project