And around we go …

Those in the D-wing who work in an outer office undoubtedly have the most fascinating view of all headquarters personnel.
They can watch the traffic going in and out of the big double lane roundabout just a stone’s throw away. It is said that the traffic spectacle is more fascinating than watching television.

You don’t believe it? Just get in your car and enter the roundabout and keep going for a few circles. I bet you would be able to write a good thriller for a magazine.
Part of the problem is uncertainty and, in many cases, ignorance about the traffic rules that apply specifically to driving in a roundabout. A higher German court just recently published the following basic verdict:

Motorists who are in a multiple lane roundabout on an inner lane and intend to turn off and leave the roundabout must use extreme caution. First, they have to timely set the direction indicator when pulling over into the outer lane.

The direction indicator is considered to be timely set when other motorists can prepare for the turn off. That means, a driver who suddenly pulls out of an inner lane to the right and causes a collision with following traffic is solely to blame.
According to the court, he can not argue that the other motorists could have avoided the accident through timely braking.

“Personnel should use extreme caution when changing lanes in a roundabout, both
on- and off-base, regardless of who should yield the right-of-way,” said Maj. John P. Newbill, deputy provost marshal at NATO’s Allied Air Component Command
Headquarters, Ramstein.