Wisconsin · Handbook chapter 6 · 5 min read

Chapter 6: Roundabouts, traffic stops and road conditions

Wisconsin roundabouts and lane choice, ramp meters, diverging diamond interchanges, what to do when police stop you, deer and funeral processions, fog, ice, hydroplaning and skids, winter driving, snowplows and farm traffic.

Why this chapter matters

Wisconsin has many roundabouts, long winters and a lot of deer and farm traffic. Questions on yielding in a roundabout, the 200-foot snowplow gap and what to do in a skid are a big part of the knowledge test.

Roundabouts

Traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise. Read the signs as you approach to choose your lane: generally the left lane is for left turns (and U-turns), the right lane for the next right turn, and the middle or either lane for going straight, as the markings show.

As you arrive:

1. Slow down.
2. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists at the crosswalk.
3. Yield to traffic on your left that is already in the roundabout.
4. Yield to semitrucks.
5. Enter when there is a safe gap. If the roundabout is empty, you need not wait.
6. Keep your speed low, stay in your lane and do not change lanes inside.
7. Signal right as you reach your exit, and exit.

Bicyclists may ride through in the travel lane or leave the road and use the crosswalk.

Emergency vehicles: if you have not entered yet, pull over and let them pass. If you are already in the roundabout, exit at the next right and then pull over. Avoid stopping inside the roundabout.

Metered ramps

Some freeway on-ramps have signals that space out merging traffic. The ramp is metered when the "Ramp Metered When Flashing" sign is lit. Pull all the way up to the white stop line so the pavement sensors detect you. Each lane has its own signal; go and merge when your signal is green. Running a ramp signal can earn a ticket.

Diverging diamond interchanges

A diverging diamond interchange (DDI) is a road design that guides drivers smoothly through freeway exits and entrances, improves safety, eases crowding and costs less to build. Follow the signs, signals and pavement markings. Wisconsin has DDIs near Janesville, Appleton and Beloit.

If police pull you over

• Pull to the right side of the road when you see emergency lights.
• Shift to park and turn off the engine and radio.
• Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt on and roll down your window.
• Keep your hands on top of the steering wheel and avoid sudden movements or reaching around.
• Do not argue about a ticket: you can raise your concerns in court.

Deer

Deer are most active from sunset to sunrise. Watch for your headlights reflecting in their eyes; if you see them, slow down, use your horn and be ready to stop. Where there is one deer, expect more. They live mostly in rural areas but also wander into towns.

If you hit a deer, make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive, record the time and place for insurance and crash reporting, and call the police so they can issue a tag. You may keep the deer; if you do not want it, tell the police where it is.

Funeral processions

The first vehicle must obey signs and signals, and every vehicle in the line has its headlights on. Do not cut into or interfere with the procession.

Driving conditions

Plan ahead and stay home if the roads look icy or unsafe. Worn, bald tires lose grip and need longer to stop.

Poor visibility

In fog, rain and other low-visibility conditions, vehicles may seem to move slower than they really are, and at night it is harder to judge speed and distance. Slow down, use your headlights and be ready to stop.

Ice and severe weather

• Bridges and overpasses freeze before the rest of the road.
• Avoid hard braking and sharp turns.
• Without anti-lock brakes (ABS), gently pump the brakes to avoid skidding.
• Expect slippery pavement in shady spots, on bridges and overpasses on cold wet days, when the temperature is near freezing, when rain first starts, and where water stands near the shoulder.

Hydroplaning

Your tires can ride up on a film of water, even at low speeds if they are bald. If it happens:

• ease your foot off the gas;
• keep the wheel straight; and
• do not try to stop or turn until the tires grip again.

Skids

• Stay off the brake.
• Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
• As the car straightens, turn the wheel back.

Winter

• Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and license plates before you drive.
• Drive slowly and leave extra room ahead.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
• Turn on your headlights, but do not use your high beams.
• Give snowplows at least 200 feet when their red, amber or green lights are flashing.

Rural roads and farm equipment

Farm tractors and machinery move slowly, may lack brake lights or turn signals, and their drivers may not see or hear you. Be patient and pass only when safe. Yield to livestock on or beside the road, slow down and do not honk, which can frighten animals. No one under 16 may operate a farm tractor or self-propelled farm machinery on a highway.