Turns and roundabouts are among the most dangerous locations on the road and traffic safety, where a large number of vehicles from different directions converge. However, some drivers make repeated mistakes that can cause serious accidents, threatening traffic safety.
It is therefore important to highlight these common mistakes and explain their impact on traffic safety, while clarifying the role of officials and drivers in ensuring traffic safety at roundabouts.
How do mistakes when turning affect traffic safety?
When drivers do not follow traffic rules when turning, they put themselves and others at risk.
- Failing to give way to other vehicles is just like running a red light, because the driver is cutting off another vehicle that has the right of way.
- Entering at high speed or being distracted by a phone while turning also reduces reaction times and increases the likelihood of accidents.
- The most common mistakes drivers make at roundabouts threaten traffic safety.
Failure to give way
One of the most common mistakes is that the Saudi Traffic Department has published that priority must be given to cars traveling in their lane at roundabouts, and the Saudi Traffic Department has set a fine of up to 900 riyals for this violation.
Not using signals
Not using the car’s signals to indicate the direction of the turn confuses other drivers behind, and the fine is up to 300 riyals.
Choosing the wrong lane
Entering from the wrong lane or attempting to change lanes within the turn leads to serious collisions.
Speeding
Entering at a speed higher than the speed limit reduces control of the vehicle and causes problems when turning and accidents, especially when these mistakes are made, and improves traffic safety.
Saudi Arabia statistics on drivers at roundabouts
- A study conducted found that 90% of drivers make at least one mistake when turning at roundabouts, the most common being failure to give way or obey traffic signals.
- Another statistic in the Kingdom indicated that 17% of drivers don’t respect the right-of-way at roundabouts, even though they are aware of the need to give way when turning.
- In April 2025, the General Authority for Roads announced new standards for roundabout design in accordance with the Saudi Road Code, with the aim of reducing these mistakes and improving traffic safety.
Basic tips to ensure traffic safety at roundabouts
Vehicle drivers must adhere to traffic safety instructions and drive safely at roundabouts. We have listed some simple points in this regard:
- Strict adherence to right-of-way rules.
- Use of signals when approaching a roundabout until completing the turn and exiting.
- Choose the correct lane 200 meters before the turn.
- Slow down when approaching.
- Avoid being distracted by your phone or any other distractions that increase the rate of traffic accidents and expose lives to serious injuries or death.
The role of officials in promoting safety at roundabouts
The responsibility does not lie solely with drivers but also with the authorities through:
- Raise awareness of the proper rules of the road at roundabouts.
- Implementing automated surveillance and monitoring systems.
- Improving the design of roundabouts to ensure smooth flow and safety.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes not only protects drivers but also improves the safety of all road users. With a focus on law enforcement and infrastructure development, Saudi Arabia is working to make driving through roundabouts a safer and more fluid experience