South Carolina Driver's Permit Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is most important when approaching a roundabout?

1. Accelerate before entering

2. Stop for oncoming traffic

3. Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout

4. Nothing, just enter directly

The correct answer is: Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout

Yielding to vehicles already in the roundabout is the most important action when approaching a roundabout. This practice is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient flow of traffic. Roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the chances of accidents by allowing vehicles already in the roundabout to have the right of way. When a driver yields, they allow those vehicles to pass, which prevents collisions and keeps vehicular movement smooth. Entering a roundabout without yielding can lead to dangerous situations, including crashes with vehicles that are already circulating inside. In this context, other actions like accelerating before entering, stopping for oncoming traffic, or entering directly without any consideration of existing traffic contradict the fundamental rules of roundabout navigation and could hinder the safety and efficiency that roundabouts are intended to provide.