Queensland roundabouts
 

Been here a year now but still can't work out if I'm doing something wrong at roundabouts or the locals are bad drivers.

Basically I always believed that you give way to your right yet despite me always indicating, other drivers do not slow down but actually speed up and pull out in front every time as though I, if I am travelling round the roundabout , have to give way to them.

Been many many close misses as they always seem to be ready to pull right out nealy every time.

What gives?

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Arya going round the roundabouts anti-clockwise :rofl:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Anything goes I am afraid, every man for him/herself

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

It feels like it:)

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

It's the same as the UK, give way to the right..except during the morning rush hour, morning school run, your a white van man, hgv lorry, late for work, appointment, hairdresser, over 65, under 65, new driver, been driving for years and never had an accident driver, have a white,black,red,blue,purple, green, orange, pink,yellow car,4wd , big car, small car, hometime rush hour, afternoon school run,cyclist, then it's every man,woman, child and dog for himself, first past the line gets the smug I beat you feeling all day long:thumbsup:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

There was another thread a day or so ago about what's bad about Oz ... if I'd replied one of the few things I would have put down was driving ... especially in SE Qld ... I've driven a fair bit in WA and also in NSW / Vic / SA not nearly as bad as here ... dont understand why ... could be because there are so many 4 wheels and people feel they are "invincible" in them ... also the speed culture (not that I've got any points on my licence ... just now) ... people grew up with 3 or 4 litre cars and " ...it seems a shame not to use the power doesn"t it ... "

Leaving the tolls on the Gateway Bridge is a nightmare ... it's like high speed dodgems northbound and 6 lanes into 2 southbound produces some quaint driving habits ...

... and no you're probably not doing anything wrong on roundabouts... assuming you're going round the right way!!!

David

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Even then you will probably meet someone coming the other way:ohmy:

That happened to me twice in one week in adelaide:eek:

G

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Correct on both counts. Try cycling....then you'll find out how bad it REALLY is!

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I have given up believing what people signal to do on roundabouts in QLD as they seem to do the total opposite. :rofl:
When I go as a passenger with the father in law in Brisbane (there from Gympie so dont face severe traffic) we usually have 2 or 3 near death experiences at roundabouts. We have tried to explain the rules of the road but he still doesnt get it (bless him) and I am eternally grateful to get to the destination alive. :lol:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Aren't they are relatively new 'invention' in Oz?

I haven't really noticed too much of a problem round where we live, I just find that the sign posting for them is quite bad - usually on the roundabout itself rather than on the approach.

Same with slip roads on the motorway - no countdown markers.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Bad driving here ? Never !

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Signage here is just woeful. No consistency, its either way before the junction / slip road or bizzarely just after it. Does my nut in.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

People here are used to traffic lights that tell them when to stop and go so roundabouts are a little tricky.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Gold Street in Toowoomba has three or four really small ones. It was real fun trying to haul a truck around them when I was going to the servo to refuel. The easiest way around was literally drive over them, as evident by the number of old truck wheel tracks in the grass.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

In Swindon in the Uk, they have the Magic Roundabout ( do a search on Google.co.uk )

Its a series of about 5 roundabouts, circling one larger roundabout as i recall.. There is one in Hemel Hempstead too

At one point you do go anti clockwise !!

Very weird !

http://www.strum.co.uk/pix/mr.jpg
http://www.strum.co.uk/pix/mrs.jpg

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Yeah, I've been on that thing...had absolutely no idea what to do!

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I've got a feelin' that many of the doing this have been on the sauce (as many many queenslanders have no problems with drink driving certainly here on SC)


Another thing I've noticed is that really slow people on a single lane road suddenly become michael schumacher when they get to the roundabout to stop anyone over or under taking them.,:curse:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I also find this especially on the Bruce highway when it gets down to a single lane up around Cooroy. On the single lane they do 80 as soon as you reach an overtaking lane you pull out and they then proceeed to speed up to 110 and then back down to 80!!! :mad:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

That is there for a reason. If you take notice of the signs, it is because there has been an abmormally high rate of accidents there in recent years. Apart from that, the highway passes close to a couple of schools just of the road.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Driven through it before in 2006.

I have driven in England before ........ one excursion 95mph down M25, in '96 Escort (in 2003) and been PASSED.;) Wanted to try for the ton but decided against it. Got good pic of country lane from behind steering wheel.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

It's even trickier when you've got banjo in one hand and a XXXX in the other

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

but where do they put the spliff?

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Me and a lad that worked for me, used to head down the smoke every saturday and sunday, did so for about 8 years.. working.

We would , use the M40... which was closer for me than M1 and you could speed.:) well not legally.

One morning about 5:30am we were just passing Oxford... on our way south, in my Boxer ( van ) doing just over the 100 mph...

A merc passed me doing easily 140, followed by a jag doing about the same.

No one else was on the rd really, and we watched the prats weave in and out of the 3 lanes, ahead of us..

Sure as shit, 20 miles on... there they are Jag is AOK. The Merc is smashed to smitherines, with the occupants ... all dead !!!
They were going that fast, an ambulance was there as we approached !

So since then ive curbed my speeding tendencies, and now stick to Australias Limits !

Of between 40 kph and 110 kph !!!!

Ste

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I can't begin to tell you how true this is......It's really quite scary and makes me really sad (and lots of other much stronger adjectives :frown:)

I had the misfortune of working in one of the busiest drive throughs on the Gold Coast for 3 months last year and was numbed by the sheer amount of 'people' out of there faces..... People that slurred, lolled around there cars with glassy red eyes blatently exposing their condition by stopping to order food :curse:

I took details of a good few of them, but I got the distinct impression from my Australian collegues that it was perfectly acceptable/normal behaviour! :ohmy:

After seeing what I saw, I am geuinely scared for my Husbands/ Kids when they go anywhere by car and I'm not with them.......left to imagine.

To the original Poster.....No, I don't believe that you are doing anything wrong.....just have eyes everywhere, expect the unexpected and use every defensive driving technique in the book.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

One good thing you can say about SEQ drivers is that they are usually too laid back/careless/pi***d {delete as appropriate} to become embroiled in road rage, which in the UK was pretty common every time you ventured out on the roads.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Its probably me pulling out in front of you! Have come to the conclusion, if you can't beat em, join em! Things should ease now the tourists are departing - took the boys to bistro c yesterday for brekky - a) got parking spot and b) restaurant almost empty! Its was great. popped across to the bank, no one in there!

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

What is there for a reason????
I was saying why do people drip along the single lane road at 80 and then speed up to 110 when it becomes 2 lanes (for a very short space of time). Which is far more dangerous and is probably what causes all the accidents.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

The thing is, you only have to give right away to someone already "on" the round about on you right.

If you're approaching the round about and hesitating (even only for a second) some drivers will take advantage of that and push through just before you enter it.

key is, approach the roundabout with confidence. On approach check your right, make a quick decision to stop or go and implement it all in one motion.

I often see some motorists (usually women) slowing right up at a roundabout like it's a stop sign. Some don't seem capable of rolling up to the roundabout and checking for right-of-way in one motion.

Once on the roundabout drive like there is no way you're going to stop for anyone. Afterall, once on you have the right away (Of course have your foot ready for the brake though), watch out for other cars, but do not give eye contact to other motorists.

People will soon slow up to give you right away if you're driving with confidence.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

If that were in Australia you could make a small fortune out of that round about. Just park a tow truck next to it and wait for the accidents to happen.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Are they 2 lane roundabouts?

If they have 2 lanes and you're turning right then you may find people joining you in the left lane if they are coming off at the same exit as you. Not sure about the Qld road rules but in Vic it fairly much comes under the ethos of road sharing described in the road rules.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I'm as confident a driver as there is and I got me a big motor but these dipsticks don't actually bother to look when they pull out so it makes no difference.

The roundabouts that are giving me most jip are the 5 or so on the way from noosa to peregian springs (where school is). I'm fast coming to the conclusion its dog eat dog but that will be no consolation if 'lance' in his beat up 25 yr old ford with spoilers and who hasn't any insurance bashes into my kids.

Could do with the keystone cops patrolling the route now and again, cos I'm gonna be dastardly and Muttley from now on.

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Drivers in SE Qld would have to be the worst in Aust.!! We have driven in Vic, Tas, SA, NSW and now Qld.......my god!......they are just crazy here! They have no idea how to merge and your right, they seem to think its all a big race! However, having said that, I cannot for the life of me, understand why the heck so many of them take so darn long to take off when a light turns green.

And dont even get me started on how long it takes for the traffic lights to change here, its ridiculous, thats why so many drivers run orange and red lights Im sure!

Every time we travel the M1 from the GC to Brissie we feel like we are taking our life into our hands, its scary how so many lane hop with scant disregard for other drivers! :blink:

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

I drive a bus - mainly suburbs -and an average trip includes 50+ roundabouts. Eight trips a day gives me a lot of experience.
If you're turning left and the left hand lane is clear, indicate left and away you go.
If you are going straight ahead, stay in the left lane but give way to anyone else on the roundabout, and indicate just before your exit.

If you want turn right, indicate right and then left just before you exit ( after you've passed the last left-hand exit).

Always give way to anyone already on the roundabout. Give way means to slow down and stop if necessary in order to avoid a collision or a dangerous situation ( much the same thing I would think!)

I surmise that a lot of the problems with roundabouts is that some drivers slow down or even stop before entering same - instead of treating it as part of the road system ( if there's no-one on your right within coo-ee then just continue at a reasonable speed and watch your mirrors when exiting)

Les

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

Here are the 10 Queensland Driving Commandments that I wrote after my first year driving in SE Quensland. Got so incensed by the poor driving on the way to work one, day, I decided to put my frustrations down. Commandment 10 seems particularly apt..........

1: The speed limit displayed is actually the minimum speed which is safe for driving on the road concerned. Some people will try to tell you that it is the maximum, but these people drive Toyota Corona’s and only go out on a Sunday afternoon. Always exceed the speed limit if possible.

2: In these days of high fuel prices and concerns over the environment, it is important that we save fuel wherever possible. We can all help to do this by driving within 6 feet (1.8 metres) of the car in front. The slipstream from the vehicle ahead will result in reduced air resistance on your vehicle, thus saving you money, and the environment.

3: If a vehicle moves to overtake you, then this is a sign that you are not travelling fast enough. By way of apology, you should immediately increase your speed to match that of the overtaking vehicle. This then demonstrates to the other driver that you are now aware of the correct speed required.

4: When joining a highway from a slip road, you will find that the slip lane will gradually narrow until it disappears. As this narrowing occurs, you should keep your nearside wheels as far to the left as possible. Under no circumstances should you take the sign stating that the “Left Lane Ends” to mean that you should merge when a suitable break in the traffic occurs. This sign is only to alert you as to the narrowing condition. When the lane does eventually disappear, you should just move into the next complete lane. Checking to see if there is a break in the traffic is not required, as you will fit in somewhere.

5: Solid white painted dividing lines are simply a result of a local government directive to use more paint during time of a budget surplus. The broken lines indicate hard financial conditions. Therefore, you may feel free to drive over solid lines as you see fit. Driving over double solid lines should make you smile at the prosperity your local government, and State, are obviously enjoying.

6: It is not a widely publicised fact, but indicators are actually optional equipment on cars in Australia. There is no legal requirement for them to work, or for you to use them. A large family sedan moving into your path is far more likely to catch your attention that a small blinking light. As an aside, the use of incandescent bulbs such as those in indicators has a detrimental effect on the environment.
If you feel the absolute need to indicate, please ensure that you brake well before indicating, up to 100 metres, as your much brighter brake lights will alert your fellow motorists that you are planning to turn.

7: Despite their name, Fog lights (sometimes called “Driving Lights” by the uneducated) are for use at anytime of day or night. They will be found to be at their most effective when used from dusk until dawn, in almost all urban and suburban areas, regardless of weather conditions. They greatly increase the illumination of the 3 feet (1 metre) of road immediately in front of your vehicle, and also will illuminate any amusing bumper stickers on the car in front to keep you lightly entertained during your drive (* see Commandment 2). Another use of fog lights is to dazzle drivers in front, to remind them to dip their rear view mirrors, lest they leave them and be blinded by someone driving up behind them with their full beam headlights on. The use of fog lights at all times is soon to be made mandatory.

8: When driving on the highway, and approaching a joining slip road, there is no need to move into the outside lane to accommodate drivers trying to enter the highway. These drivers will be following Commandment 4, and so will not require a space in which to merge. Their journeying is not your concern.

9: In rare times of rain, it is important to make it to your home, or other safe place as quickly as possible. In a few cases, hail may be imminent. Therefore, you should drive as quickly as you feel comfortable, to your destination. Keeping the requisite 6 feet (1.8 metres) from the car in front during these times will actually lessen the water spray on your windscreen, improving your visibility.

10: The rules regarding roundabout use are many, and complex. These were designed by our British cousins, primarily for use outside Buckingham Palace, and other Monarchist sites. You should protest the Monarchy’s hold over Australia by ignoring any rules relating to roundabouts. Giving way to the right is optional, and never, ever signal your intentions when entering or exiting a roundabout. The left lane leading to a roundabout may be used for travelling in any direction, including to the right, as may the right lane, if available.

By following these Commandments, you will be playing your part in ensuring that Queensland’s road toll remains at it lowest, and proving that we’re better drivers than those New South Welshman. Or the Victorians……..

Re: Queensland roundabouts
 

[QUOTE=anawanahuanana;5837507]Here are the 10 Queensland Driving Commandments that I wrote after my first year driving in SE Quensland. Got so incensed by the poor driving on the way to work one, day, I decided to put my frustrations down. Commandment 10 seems particularly apt..........

Luv'd it

However you should've been here in the 60's. We had trams, which you had to give way to, stop if they stopped, and about 10 mph past them if they were just parked.

Also we had to give way to ANYTHING that came from the right ( even on a main road you had to stop if a pushbike or something came from a sidestreet on your right.

Of course it was much more sensible if you went to Melbourne where you had to form a "wagon circle" around a junction from the left if you wanted to turn right - that was interesting!!

Les