Who Is Responsible for Yielding at Traffic Circles in New York?

Who Has the Right of Way at Traffic Circles?

The most important rule to remember is that cars already inside the circle have the right of way. This means that if you are approaching a traffic circle, you must yield to any vehicle already traveling within the circle.

Before you enter a traffic circle, always look to your left to see if any cars are coming. If you see a vehicle within the circle, you should stop or slow down and let it pass before you proceed. This keeps traffic flowing smoothly and prevents collisions.

Common Reasons for Accidents at Traffic Circles

Traffic circles are designed to improve traffic flow and prevent collisions, but accidents can still happen if drivers are not careful. Here are some common reasons accidents occur at these intersections:

• Failure to Yield: One of the most common mistakes occurs when a driver does not yield to vehicles already in the circle. Entering a traffic circle without checking for or yielding to oncoming traffic can lead to preventable collisions.
• Inattentive Driving: Distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving around a traffic circle can take a driver’s focus away from the road and cause dangerous wrecks.
• Lane Confusion: Some traffic circles have multiple lanes, and some drivers can get confused over which lane to use, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the area. If drivers choose the wrong lane or switch lanes abruptly without signaling, it can result in sideswipes or other types of accidents.
• Poor Visibility: Accidents can also occur if drivers fail to adjust accordingly to poor weather conditions like fog or rain or because of poorly designed signage or lighting around the circle.
• Speeding: Driving too fast through a traffic circle makes it hard to react to other motorists’ movements and increases the risk of losing control. Maintaining a low to moderate speed is best for safely navigating through traffic circles.

Contact our New York City Car Accident Lawyers for Help

Are you dealing with injuries from a traffic circle accident? It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights. Finz & Finz, P.C. can provide the assistance you need. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and how we can seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us now to get started.