States introduce new roundabouts rules for truck driving

January 27, 20230

Legislators in several states are taking steps to improve safety at roundabouts.

Intersections converted to roundabouts show a 75% reduction in injury crashes and a 90% reduction in fatal crashes.

Therefore, in recent years, the states of Indiana, Washington and Wisconsin have taken steps to address the problem of maneuvering large trucks at such intersections.

A bill in the Arizona House of Representatives would allow heavy-duty trucks to use two lanes to navigate through intersections, including roundabouts.

The change would allow trucks with an overall length of at least 40 feet or an overall width of at least 10 feet to cross traffic lanes as they approach the roundabouts. Drivers of smaller vehicles must give way to heavy trucks when approaching or passing through roundabouts.

Signs notifying drivers that “trucks have right-of-way at a roundabout” should be posted at all roundabouts. The bill is in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The Colorado bill follows Arizona’s footsteps but does not include a requirement for signs to notify drivers to give way to trucks. For non-compliance with the rule, a monetary fine up to $81 would be provided.

The bill will be heard on February 1 at the Committee on Home Transportation, Housing and Local Government.

In Indiana, the rule regarding the movement of trucks on roundabouts has been in effect since 2017.

The new bill prohibits the Indiana Department of Transportation from building a roundabout where it will be prohibited by the local government that has control the intersection.

The bill is in the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee.

Related Post:

Share:

Related Articles