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Comment by lolinder | Hacker News Reader

Keep in mind that a lot of these traffic devices look way more confusing from above than they actually look while on the ground. From above you can see the whole device at once, and trying to trace a path through it can feel overwhelming, but when you're actually going through it your view is usually restricted in ways that limit your perceived choices at any point in time.

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I'd say just the opposite. Indeed, in the UK it's normal for the signs leading up to a roundabout to include an overhead map view, since that's often the easiest way to understand what you need to do to get where you want to.

I imagine you're referring to a simple line drawing (with labels)?

For example - Britain's most notorious roundabout https://www.google.com/maps/@51.5622263,-1.7713205,3a,48.7y,...

I grew up in this town, and even had to navigate this Magic Roundabout on my driving test. It's not so bad once you understand how it operates, but you have to pay attention.

The map/diagram helps people not familar, the only really complicated thing is making sure you get in the right lane, and keeping an eye on those around you.

They're schematic but they reflect the shape of the roundabouts to help you follow it. E.g. https://www.youhaventlived.com/qblog/2005/QBlog160705A.html has some examples.

Agreed. I use to not pay attention to the layout at all. Instead, I resorted to counting down the exits I was moving past them, whilst remembering myself to gradually changing lanes to the left, paying attention to cars on the adjacent lanes. Because of this, I forget to look and plan ahead--almost like tunnel vision. Suffice to say, it was--and still is--stressful, especially at those roundabouts with which I'm not familiar.

Then I started paying attention to the displayed layout. This helped me with the bearings and lane positioning. At least, that's one item off my list when I'm in the roundabout.

They're often not 'signaged' correctly.

Ideally the sign would be 1) Rotated so that the driver proceeds from the base towards the top or sides. 2) Clearly depict the LOGICAL layout (bent slightly towards the physical) of what flow patterns _do_ during the roundabout from that input. 3) Also clearly depict which exits go where.

There should really be two signs actually, one before the diagram that lists (locally relevant roads / landmarks) by lane for sorting (if there's more than one lane in).

PS: The route map should also add a YIELD sign in mini next to the entrance with an according broken line. The interior lanes of roundabouts always have priority and all inputs are yield merges in.

Never underestimate how confused people can get with the unfamiliar. I live a couple of blocks from a fairly standard roundabout and see people trying to exit the roundabout through an entrance to the roundabout or try to go clockwise in the roundabout (this is in Canada) several times a year. This happens even though the design of the roundabout, the road markings, and the signage make it perfectly clear how you are supposed to go through it.

Then there is the less obvious stuff that happens multiple times per hour, like entering in the wrong lane given the desired exit (even though it is marked), vehicles inside the roundabout yielding to vehicles entering the roundabout (even though there is signage), or vehicles entering the roundabout failing to yield to vehicles inside of it (same signage).

As for non-standard roundabouts, those can confuse just about anyone since people often don't realize that it is a roundabout.

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