MONITORING DRIVING IN TWO-LANE ROUNDABOUTS - VAAJAKOSKI, ROYTTA AND SUUTARILA ROUNDABOUTS

This study of driving behavior in two-lane roundabouts assessed the functionality and problem situations of the Vaajakoski, Roytta and Suutarila roundabouts and compiled preliminary proposals for improvements. The Vaajakoski roundabout is located on route 4 in the Rural Municipality of Jyvaskylthe. The average daily traffic volume on this main road is 18,000 - 20,000 vehicles. Traffic flows smoothly, but accidents occur quite frequently. Based on the observations, problems are caused by inadequate junction arrangements and incorrect driving behavior. Recommended improvements include making the obligation to yield right of way more effective, filling in existing road signs, and providing more enlightenment. The Roytta roundabout is located on route 29 in the city of Tornio. The average daily traffic volume on this main road is 7,000 - 9,000 vehicles. The size of the roundabout provides plenty of room for driving and a margin of error in problem situations. The main problems involve failure to yield right of way and cutting over from lane to lane. Recommended improvements include making the obligation to yield right of way more effective by improving the visibility of road signs and markings, and providing more enlightenment. The Suutarila roundabout is located in Tapaninkyla, Helsinki. The average daily traffic volume on different branches of this junction is 6,500 - 13,500 vehicles. Traffic flows smoothly, but the pedestrian crossings are unsafe. Problems are caused by cutting over from lane to lane, neglecting to yield right of way and minor deficiencies in junction arrangements. Recommended improvements include filling in road signs and lane markings, improving the conditions of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and providing more enlightenment. The traffic arrangements of the studied roundabouts contained deficiencies that can be significantly reduced by means of the recommended improvements. There also appeared a need for improvement in drivers' knowledge of traffic rules, driving skill and attitudes. Driving in a two-lane roundabout is definitely more demanding than in a single-lane roundabout. For this reason, the driving arrangement in a two-lane roundabout must be clearly understandable and unambiguous. To eliminate cutting over from lane to lane and unnecessary lane changes, special attention should be paid to making signs and lane arrangements understandable. The media could more actively provide enlightenment about two-lane roundabouts. As a first measure, the Roundabout brochure could be updated to also provide driving instructions for two lane roundabouts.