To the Editor:
The Sumter County Board of Commissioners publishes a pamphlet entitled “A Guide to Navigating Roundabouts in Sumter County, Florida.” This pamphlet is widely available throughout The Villages, and its contents are routinely published in the District Weekly Bulletin. However, misunderstanding about four rules in this pamphlet continues.
1. Within a roundabout, do not stop, except to avoid a collision; you have the right-of-way over entering traffic.
2. Do not change lanes in a roundabout.
3. DO NOT ENTER next to a vehicle in a roundabout, as that vehicle may be exiting at the next exit.
4. When you have passed the last exit before the one you want, use your right-turn signal and continue to use it through your exit.
I have copied this verbatim from the pamphlet, including the emphasis.
From my observations, it appears that many people believe they must move from the inside lane to the outside lane to exit the roundabout. However, the phrase “Do not change lanes” appears four times, always in red font, in the Sumter County guide.
Rule number three above, “DO NOT ENTER next to a vehicle in a roundabout” appears to be the most misunderstood. I have witnessed many drivers enter the roundabout in the outside lane next to a car on the inside lane. While we should all be cautious and aware while driving, the car in the outside lane frequently enters the roundabout into the other driver’s blind spot. When the driver exits the roundabout by turning in front of the driver just entering, the driver in the outside line frequently employs angry honking, even though he or she is in the wrong.
Additionally, I have noticed drivers who waited patiently to enter the outside lane while a car in the inside lane passes, only to experience angry honking from the driver behind them. Again, the driver honking is unaware of the rules of the road in Sumter County.
I am aware that the Sumter County rules may differ from rules in many drivers’ home states. I am also aware that many residents disagree with Sumter County rules. However, if we all want to be safe, we must all follow the same rules.
You may find this pamphlet at this link
Vicki Hoffmann
Village of Bonnybrook