One in three drivers who were involved in an accident at roundabouts were committing an offence, according to data from the Directorate General for Traffic (DGT). And a good part of the reason has to do with the fact that some drivers do not know how to enter and exit roundabouts correctly, often due to a lack of clear knowledge about the right of way. That is why the agency insists on remembering how to avoid the most dangerous imprudence in roundabouts. That they can not only cause offenders to get a scare, but also a fine or penalty.
The DGT informs that the cases of accidents in roundabouts are influenced by breaking the norm in terms of priority and speed. Specifically, on highways, 20% of accidents committed offenses related to priority of way, while 8% were due to speed. In the case of cities, these data are 19% and 5% respectively. A high risk that tries to be avoided with a series of sanctions so that drivers think twice before making a reckless maneuver.
If the mistake that has been made has to do with accessing the roundabout without respecting the priority, the consequence will be to receive a fine of 200 euros and 4 less points. This is the most frequent infraction in roundabouts. The DGT reminds that the vehicles that circulate in the roundabout have priority over those that are going to enter it. Unless a sign, such as a traffic light, road marking or agent, indicates otherwise.
The danger of sudden braking or even a collision has to do with this measure. A rule that also applies when leaving the roundabout, although with a greater penalty. If you try to exit from one of the inside lanes, which would imply crossing other vehicles, the seriousness of the infraction could even be considered a crime and punishable by prison. This is classified as reckless driving and entails a fine of 500 euros and 6 less points.
Another great danger is speeding at roundabouts, it is also considered a serious offense with a penalty of 500 euros and 6 less points. If it is considered that the lives of other road users have been endangered, it could be a crime.
Inadequate maneuvers when making lane changes is also a reason for a fine. Going from one lane to another without respecting priority will entail a fine of 200 euros, although it will not subtract points. Something that does happen if this offense is committed when there are vulnerable users in the roundabout, such as bicycles or motorists. The consequence for such recklessness is a fine of 500 euros and 6 points less, which can be considered a crime.
