French roundabouts et al

[stolzy]

In the past few months I've noticed some new behaviour at roundabouts in France. When gpoing straight on, many drivers will indicate left until they pass the exit before the one they want and then indicate right.

People I've asked here don't seem to be aware of it and its by no means universal, but it seems to be about 20% of the population are using theis technique.

Almost all the camera wanrning panels now seem to have been removed, but most have been replaced by flashing speed warnings (red if you're over the limit).

 

[Tank]

That annoying practice at roundabouts has been going on here for years, or at least since we have been here in 2007. It is a PITA as you think the truck is finally getting out of the way only to be disappointed as it then indicates right and goes straight on!!

If you look at the code de la route it does show that you indicate left if you intend to go straight on, then right as you pass the first exit. As far as I remember if going straight ahead, not past 12 o'clock, in England you do not indicate left to go straight ahead. Just another strange little driving habit our French cousins have

In our region some of the speed camera signs are still here and the others replaced with the LED speed indicators BUT most of those seem to have packed in so just beware that if you see the speed indicator sign and it is not working the chances are there is probably a camera not far after it.

 

[Myke Rocks]

Technically, but not neccessarily according to the highway code:

Think about it:
A roundabout is actually a one way street on which all of the sideroads are on the left. (Right in France)
This being so, why would one indicate whilst going along a one way street?

Myke

 

[Myke Rocks]

Technically, but not neccessarily according to the highway code:

Think about it:
A roundabout is actually a one way street on which has an infinite number of sideroads, all of which are on the left. (Right in France)
This being so, why would one indicate whilst going along a one way street?

Myke

 

[red1]

In Spain they use the right hand lane to go around the island no matter which exit they are taking. I've given up using the inside (left) lane when turning at say the 3rd exit as its sometimes impossible to cross right for the exit.
I'm now fully Spanish compliant and follow the herd around in the right hand lane, it's safer!

 

[MikeP]

Think about it:
A roundabout is actually a one way street on which has an infinite number of sideroads, all of which are on the left. (Right in France)
This being so, why would one indicate whilst going along a one way street?

Myke

Why not think about it this way:

The purpose of giving signals is to inform other road-users of your intention. When approaching a roundabout (which is a junction and not a one-way street) why would you not want to inform other road-users of your intentions (apart from being intentionally inconsiderate)?

If there is an exit off a roundabout before the one that you intend to use, why not use a signal that indicates your intention to cross the path of a vehicle waiting to enter the roundabout at that junction? Why take the chance that the waiting driver may misunderstand your intention due to a lack of a signal and pull out into your path?

Is the wear and tear done to your indicator switch and bulb/LED worth saving?

 

[Timolgra]

If there is an exit off a roundabout before the one that you intend to use, why not use a signal that indicates your intention to cross the path of a vehicle waiting to enter the roundabout at that junction? Why take the chance that the waiting driver may misunderstand your intention due to a lack of a signal and pull out into your path?

Only one problem I see with that is if you're in the inside lane, it'll encourage others to get alongside you not knowing you intend to change your own position soon, but no real problem if you're in the outside lane.....like most French drivers regardless of exit

 

[MikeP]

Only one problem I see with that is if you're in the inside lane, it'll encourage others to get alongside you not knowing you intend to change your own position soon,

True but as with all things on the road, what you do should be relative to the road layout, the presence of others and an assessment of what they may do. I'm just saying that a sense of self-preservation should over-ride any idea that giving clear, unambiguous signals isn't necessary. Signals are as much for your own safety as they to inform others (the two are inter-dependent). I just don't understand the mentality of many people who assume everyone else understands their intentions somehow.

(and that's what the "life-saver" is for, even though it has become over used)

 

[John Armstrong]

In Spain they use the right hand lane to go around the island no matter which exit they are taking. I've given up using the inside (left) lane when turning at say the 3rd exit as its sometimes impossible to cross right for the exit.

In my experience there's a growing number of UK drivers who use the same logic of staying in the outermost lane of a multi lane roundabout.

 

[John Armstrong]

Think about it:
A roundabout is actually a one way street on which has an infinite number of sideroads, all of which are on the left. (Right in France)
This being so, why would one indicate whilst going along a one way street?

I hope you indicate left when using a slip road to join a motorway in the UK.

 

[Timolgra]

(and that's what the "life-saver" is for, even though it has become over used)

I agree entirely, eg. that left 'lifesaver' to change lanes on a uk roundabout definitely serves two purposes...it's like reinforcements for the indicator

 

[MikeP]

...it's like reinforcements for the indicator

It is and the old "feature five - consider the use of a confirmatory signal" dovetails nicely with the arm signal thread at this point. I see no harm in sticking my left arm out if there's any doubt in my mind that others understand my intention.

I think that my sense of self-preservation is stronger than my fear of looking like a 1950s throwback.

 

[Timolgra]

It is and the old "feature five - consider the use of a confirmatory signal" dovetails nicely with the arm signal thread at this point. I see no harm in sticking my left arm out if there's any doubt in my mind that others understand my intention.

I think that my sense of self-preservation is stronger than my fear of looking like a 1950s throwback.

You and I are more alike in some respects than I'd dared imagine

 

[Myke Rocks]

Maybe a misinterpretation

I hope you indicate left when using a slip road to join a motorway in the UK.

My intent in the description is why (in UK) would you indicate right to go straight on.
Of course I indicate left when leaving a roundabout. (having moved from the right to left hand lane, also indicating, of course.)

And why would I indicate when joining a motorway off a slip road? There is no alternative route.

Myke

 

[MikeP]

And why would I indicate when joining a motorway off a slip road? There is no alternative route.

Myke

There is an alternative action though; to stop at the give way marking.

 

[stolzy]

Only one problem I see with that is if you're in the inside lane, it'll encourage others to get alongside you not knowing you intend to change your own position soon, but no real problem if you're in the outside lane.....like most French drivers regardless of exit

indeed the french reluctance to use the inside lane of a roundabout is staggering. Even when the lanes are marked accordingly they refuse to use the inside lane to go straight on. Frequently they will use the outside lane when turning left.

On the other hand they don't hog the middle - that seems to be a uniquely Brit idiocy.