With the roundabout recently being put in, it has made me realize that people in the city of Shawnee need to look over the driver’s ed handbook. It seems as if people do not know how to go about driving through them. Even though it may seem like rocket science, driving in a circle really isn’t that hard.

The yield sign is the most important, yet most misunderstood, sign in a roundabout. If you are approaching a yield sign, it means yield, not fly through it. Trust me, there is not some hidden meaning behind the sign; it simply means to keep an eye out so you can safely continue to your destination. The signs are placed there for a reason, not just for looks.

You need to use your turn signals whenever possible. Just because it’s a roundabout, you cant disregard signaling your intentions. By you doing this, it lets other drivers know that they can safely pull out, and continue driving. This is much easier than waiting to actually see the car turn. It helps you safely turn, and helps other drivers know that you are turning.

If you are questioning whether you can go safely through the roundabout before an oncoming car reaches you, don’t go. Even if you are feeling extra generous and let someone go, you’re just going to tick other drivers off. You only need to yield when there is a car coming, not just because you feel like being nice.

Also, when some foolish middle school kid decides to run through the middle of the street into the roundabout, the yield signs help with that, too. I understand that some students have to walk home, but have some common sense. I’m sorry, but you are really dumb if you decide to sprint through the middle of the street during school rush hour traffic.

The crosswalks are literally 100 feet away, and there are three north and south of the roundabout, so it won’t hurt to move your legs a little and go to the actual crossing. But I mean, if you really want to risk the chance of getting run over, go for it.

Another thing: speed limits are in place in order to keep traffic going at a steady pace. There is always that one driver who decides it is a good idea to go less than 5 mph around the roundabout.

If a high school student is walking faster than you are driving, you should probably pick up the pace. For the sake of everyone, don’t be that driver.

For all the people who think their car can handle anything, going over the curb onto the roundabout in order to avoid going in a circle is probably not the best idea.

Trust me, blowing your tires out on a curb is not the most fun thing, especially when it comes to paying to replace the tires.

Yield when necessary, and do not yield when you don’t have to. Go the speed limit in order to keep everything running smoothly. If you are walking home, use your brain and don’t run out in front of a car.

And although your car’s tires may be able to handle going over the curb, you better not chance it. So, when it comes to tackling the roundabouts, follow the rules and be cautious.