The question about roundabouts is whether or not an American driver can learn the “rule of right” and “zippering,” and use of your signal indicator when you leave the traffic circle.

The first rule is yielding the right of way to a car entering the traffic circle from your right. The second rule is a case of allowing traffic to merge. This is often either not evident or mastered by most drivers.

I’ve driven over in Europe and Japan for years where roundabouts are common and I think there great! There is no waiting for a traffic signal to change and movement is maneuverable within the circle. When traffic is congested, then you “zipper” into the circle. Failure to give the right of way is a hefty traffic fine here. It’s all about courtesy.

Americans overseas have learned to master roundabouts and they have said they like them better than traffic lights. I do have reservations about Americans in the United States whom I believe have no patience or inclination to learn a few new traffic tricks. After all, most Americans don’t realize they must slow down at an amber light, yet alone, stop at a red light.

Come on show me I’m wrong, build a roundabout. Auf Weidersehen.

Daniel Rivas

Ramstein, Germany