Idaho Roundabouts: It’s Been 20 Years. Why Are We Still So Confused?

You know, it’s been almost 20 years since the Treasure Valley got its first roundabout, and yet every time I go through one, I see at least one person who has absolutely no idea what’s happening.

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A Treasure Valley First 20 Years Ago

I remember when the first major roundabout came into Canyon County in 2006 at Happy Valley and Amity. At the time, people acted like it was some sort of alien technology dropped into the middle of Idaho.

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Two Decades Later And Idaho Still Struggles

Some people stop when they don’t need to stop. Some people don’t yield when they should. Some people treat the whole thing like a four-way stop. And every now and then you’ll find somebody who seems to think they’re entering the Indy 500.

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Why Idaho Uses More Roundabouts

The folks at the Idaho Transportation Department love roundabouts because they reduce severe crashes, keep traffic flowing, and eliminate a lot of the dangerous T-bone collisions that happen at traditional intersections. Roundabouts also reduce congestion because drivers don’t have to sit through red lights.

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The Most Common Roundabout Mistakes That Idaho Drivers Make

1. Failing to Yield When Entering

The most important rule is also the simplest: drivers entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already inside it.  If a vehicle is already in the roundabout, let it pass before entering.

2. Treating a Roundabout Like a Four-Way Stop

Many drivers stop completely even when no vehicles are approaching.  While slowing down is important, unnecessary stopping can create confusion and increase the chance of rear-end crashes.

3. Stopping Inside the Roundabout

Once you’re in the roundabout... keep moving unless an emergency requires you to stop.  Stopping in the circle disrupts traffic flow and can catch other drivers off guard.

4. Changing Lanes Unexpectedly 

Multi-lane roundabouts require drivers to choose the correct lane before entering. Sudden lane changes inside the roundabout can create dangerous situations.

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The reality is pretty simple. Traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way. You slow down, yield if necessary, enter when it’s clear, and keep moving.

But let’s be honest… they only work if everybody understands how they’re supposed to work.