This section covers specific driving situations you will meet on Wisconsin roads, including roundabouts, metered ramps, interchanges, traffic stops, deer, and funeral processions. Each situation has its own procedure, so knowing what to do ahead of time helps you react calmly and safely. The section starts with roundabouts, which are described as a safer and more efficient traffic flow option where traffic moves counterclockwise.
To use a roundabout, slow down and yield to pedestrians, bicycles, traffic already in it on your left, and semitrucks; enter at a safe gap, keep your speed low, stay in your lane, then signal right and exit. If there is no traffic in the roundabout you do not need to wait to enter, and you should not switch lanes while inside it. If an emergency vehicle approaches and you have not entered, pull over and let it pass; if you are already inside, exit at the next right and then pull over rather than stopping in the roundabout. At a two-lane roundabout, choose your lane and yield to all traffic in both lanes before entering.
If you are stopped by law enforcement, pull off to the right-hand side of the road when you see emergency lights flashing, put the vehicle in park, turn off the car and radio, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on, roll down your window, and put your hands on top of the steering wheel in plain sight. Do not make sudden movements or argue about a ticket — you can express concerns in court, so stay calm and follow the officer's directions. This section also covers deer, which are most active from sunset to sunrise and can cross anywhere at any time, and funeral processions, where all vehicles in the line keep their headlights on and you must not cut into or interfere with the line.
Which direction does traffic move in a roundabout?⌄
Traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise. Roundabouts are described as a safer and more efficient traffic flow option; slow down, yield to those already in it on your left, enter at a safe gap, and signal right before exiting.
What should I do during a traffic stop?⌄
Pull off to the right when you see the emergency lights, put the vehicle in park, turn off the car and radio, keep your seatbelt on, roll down your window, and put your hands on top of the steering wheel in plain sight. Do not make sudden movements or argue about a ticket; you can express concerns in court.
When are deer most active, and what should I watch for?⌄
Deer are most active from sunset to sunrise. Watch for the reflection of your headlights in their eyes, slow down, and watch for more than one deer. They are usually in rural areas but may wander into towns or cities and can cross anywhere at any time.