By Isabel Ashley, reporter

With a new year right around the corner, the fresh start gives us an opportunity to begin the year on the right foot, and in this case, remind ourselves of the correct way to use traffic circles. According to Eric Peter, San Juan County Sheriff, most residents on San Juan Island correctly use the traffic circles located on Mullis and Argyle. However, there are still incidents of cars failing to yield to oncoming traffic or even driving through the center of the roundabout.

“Generally what I’ve seen is when there’s not a lot of traffic out, or it’s later [at night], some people will drive straight through the roundabout,” said Peter. “And then there are people who don’t yield because they are in a hurry or aren’t paying attention.”

When it comes to correct usage, traffic circles have slower speed limits than the other roads in town, so it is important for drivers to slow down and always yield to cars that are already in the traffic circle. In larger traffic circles like those in Anacortes, drivers should pick a lane and always signal if they are changing lanes to exit the circle. Cars that are in a traffic circle should always yield to pedestrians and bikes that are crossing in and around the roundabout. Lastly, drivers should use turn signals to indicate when they are exiting the roundabout so those who are yielding have a better idea of when it is safe to enter the roundabout. And, as always, if there is an emergency vehicle approaching pull over to the right as far as possible.

Peter also wanted to remind drivers that yield signs are not the same as stop signs, meaning that if there is no one already in the traffic circle, you do not have to make a full stop before entering.

As for those who are allowed to drive through the center of a traffic circle, larger emergency vehicles such as fire trucks have difficulty going through the roundabout and may drive through the center. Tractor trailers and large semi-trucks also may drive through the center due to their size. For all other vehicles, it is unlawful to drive through.

Although it might not seem necessary to use traffic circles correctly when there is no traffic and no one is out late at night, it is still technically unlawful and drivers who fail to follow the preceding guidelines could be issued a traffic infraction. Traffic infractions are civil violations, meaning violators could be expected to pay a fine for receiving the infraction. Of course, if there was a combination of infractions, such as speeding and failing to yield to pedestrians, the driver could be charged with a criminal violation of reckless driving and possibly serve time in jail. But with minor incidents, especially first-time infractions, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office takes a more instructional approach.

“We don’t look at traffic infractions as a punitive thing; we try to educate first before we do enforcement,” said Peter. “What we try to do is work with people on why they shouldn’t do the things they were doing that caused the traffic stop. We’re out here for public safety, not to financially burden people.”

By following the correct protocols for traffic circle usage, regardless of the traffic or time of day, drivers can help keep this island and its residents safe from unwanted accidents this year.