There is a famous scene in National Lampoon’s European Vacation when Clark Griswald finds himself unable to exit the Lambeth Bridge roundabout in London. No matter how often he tries to get out of the circle, he just can’t seem to “get left”, and so each time around the circle he exclaims “Look kids! Big Ben. Parliament.”
I found myself going through several roundabouts this morning using a method learned when driving in New Zealand. My turn signal is on the entire time while in the circle. When entering I use my left-hand signal. When exiting, my right. This way all other cars coming into the circle know my intent. I am educating my environment.
Educating your environment is an important skill both on the road and in life as well. When you indicate your intent (turn signal), it does two things:
- Reduces anxiety. You don’t have to rely on hope or an assumption that other people know what is in your head.
- Reduces collisions. You raise awareness in other people as to the decisions they are making that may include or impact you.
The next time you find yourself “going in circles” pause and ask two questions: (1) Do you know where you’re going and (2) are you indicating in which direction you are going to others?
Disclaimer: Not all people will see or respect your turn signal. That’s a “them” problem. Don’t let it become a “you” problem.