Refresher Course in Driver's Ed

With more than 1,000 roundabouts in Canada, chances are you’re going to encounter one in your lifetime. And while they may seem complicated, they’re quite simple to navigate. As you approach a roundabout, slow down, look to your left and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Once in, stay in your lane and maintain a slow, steady speed. Exit at your desired street. 

A diverging diamond interchange moves high volumes of traffic through an intersection by allowing two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left side of the road. It allows drivers to make left-hand turns without having to cross traffic. When driving through a diverging diamond interchange, proceed through a traffic signal at the entrance to the interchange and then follow your lane to the opposite side of the roadway. 

When it’s safe, use your turn signal and change lanes if you’re on a multilane road. If you’re on a single-lane road, turn into a parking lot or side street and let the tailgater pass. As tempting as it may be, avoid eye contact or any angry gestures as they go by. If there’s no way to let the driver pass, don’t trade one unsafe situation for another by exceeding the speed limit. Maintain your speed and wait for a chance to let the driver go by. If the situation ever becomes unsafe, push your red Emergency button* to speak to an OnStar Emergency Advisor* for assistance or call 911. 

After a storm, blacked-out traffic signals are not uncommon, and you don’t always have much time to process the situation. So, knowing how to handle it beforehand is important. And it’s simple. All traffic must stop at the intersection and proceed only when other turning and approaching vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians have stopped. Basically, a blacked-out traffic signal works the same as an intersection with a four-way stop. 

U-turn laws vary by province, so it’s recommended you do research before travelling. (In some provinces, U-turns are illegal; check the local government website for more information.) Where U-turns are allowed, there are some general rules that apply. The first thing to look for is a sign prohibiting a U-turn. If there isn’t one and you have a green left-turn arrow or green light, you’re good to go, except in the provinces where it is illegal. On a divided roadway, you can make a U-turn when there’s an opening in the median that’s not reserved for emergency or law enforcement vehicles and if there’s no sign prohibiting it. 

Despite your years of schooling or time behind the wheel, it’s still impossible to predict everything you might encounter on the road. That’s why OnStar is available 24/7 to assist with services such as Roadside Assistance,* Automatic Crash Response* and Emergency Services.*