Question: What are the rules for using blinkers when approaching and using a roundabout? I seem to be one of the few who signals when approaching and using one.

Answer: There is no need to signal as you enter a roundabout as that is the only option you have. You are supposed to signal your intention to leave the roundabout, so as you enter, if you are taking the first right, signal. If you are taking the second right, signal as soon as you are at or passing the first. If you are taking the third right, signal as soon as you are at or passing the second. That way the vehicles that are attempting to enter will see what you plan on doing.

Q: I know that the law says that on a two-lane road you are to stay in your lane of travel except to pass, but if you are traveling on a county road on a dark night with a narrow shoulder, is it safer to stay to the middle of the road with a front tire on or over the center line? This way you avoid the danger of deer entering the roadway or of pedestrians walking the left shoulder late at night and you'd see another car in enough time to safely move in to your lane of travel. Do you follow the law or common sense on this one?

A: On any roadway with a center line, you should have plenty of room to stay in your own lane and avoid any pedestrians that are using the shoulder of the road. I also won't tell you that it is OK to ignore the law that says you must stay to the right of the center line.

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David Wright is a retired officer from the Bellingham Police Department who is now on the Whatcom County Traffic Safety Task Force.