What should you do if you approach a traffic circle or roundabout?

When approaching a traffic circle or roundabout, the correct action is to yield to traffic already in the roundabout. This is essential because the vehicles in the roundabout have the right of way, allowing for a smoother flow of traffic and reducing the likelihood of accidents. Yielding helps ensure that you do not disrupt the ongoing traffic patterns and allows you to enter safely once there is a gap.

The design of roundabouts is intended to keep traffic moving while enhancing safety. By yielding, you are also assisting in minimizing potential collisions, as all vehicles in the roundabout are circulating in a counter-clockwise direction in the U.S., and entering without yielding could lead to dangerous situations.

In contrast, accelerating to merge without yielding could cause an accident. Stopping and waiting for all vehicles to pass may unnecessarily block traffic and frustrate other drivers. Ignoring traffic signs and entering the roundabout without proper caution disregards the rules of the road and can lead to serious traffic violations and potential accidents. Hence, yielding to traffic already in the roundabout is the safest and most appropriate action to take.