Estero drivers call for blinker use to ease roundabout confusion

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK) — Roundabouts in Southwest Florida are intended to keep traffic flowing smoothly, yet some drivers find them confusing. Fran Roskow, a concerned driver, brought her concerns to "WINK Listens" in Estero, suggesting that using blinkers could improve the situation.

"You’re getting more and more circles here, roundabouts in Bonita Springs and Estero, and I'm finding that they are causing more confusion," said Roskow.

She believes the solution is simple: drivers should use their signals when exiting the roundabout.

"I think people do not realize that they are supposed to, by law, put a signal on when you are exiting the circle," said Roskow.

Roskow emphasized that using blinkers could speed things up for everyone.

"Oh, absolutely," she said.

Without signaling, drivers waiting to enter the roundabout are left guessing if they can proceed or not. Roskow mentioned that the roundabout near Riverside Park in Bonita Springs is particularly problematic during rush hour. At Coconut Point in Estero, WINK News even spotted a driver going the wrong way.

"When you’re going the correct direction, roundabouts should be more of a yield than a full stop," said Roskow.

Roskow urged drivers to "just please put your signal on. It's a little thing that's right by your steering wheel."

According to the state's website, signaling is required when preparing to exit a roundabout, and failing to do so can be considered a traffic violation.