What is the primary responsibility of a driver when approaching a roundabout?

The primary responsibility of a driver when approaching a roundabout is to yield to traffic already in the roundabout. This is crucial for maintaining the smooth flow of traffic and ensuring safety. Vehicles that are already circulating in the roundabout have the right of way, and yielding to them helps prevent accidents and congestion. By yielding, drivers can enter the roundabout only when it is safe to do so, allowing for an orderly transition and reducing the risk of collisions.

This practice is fundamental to the design of roundabouts, which are made to enhance traffic efficiency and safety. Drivers must also be aware of any pedestrians at crosswalks as they approach the roundabout, which would relate to yielding to pedestrians, but the main focus when entering the roundabout is to give right of way to existing traffic within it.