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Break the cycle of road accidents at traffic circles

03 February 2020 | Story Cobus van Jaarsveld | Photo Charl Devenish

Traffic Circle on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus — The Department of Protection Services shares how to #BSafe at traffic circles.

For the majority of drivers, one of the most confusing driving laws is the correct use of a traffic circle, especially in Bloemfontein with the large number of smaller traffic circles constructed over the past few years; also across the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus.

“In fact, many motorists do not know that there is a difference between a larger traffic circle and a mini traffic circle, other than their size. Can you really be frustrated if someone cuts you off at a traffic circle if you don't know the rules? Arrive Alive has shed some light on the issue,” said Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison in the UFS Department of Protection Services.

What is the difference between the two circles?

A traffic circle is classified as large when it has a minimum diameter of about 16 metres and a 1,5 to 2 metre flattened kerb, which allows heavy vehicles to drive onto a small section of the circle. A mini traffic circle is normally not more than seven to ten metres in diameter and the entire circle is mountable for heavy vehicles.

Are there different rules for each?

Yes – the rule of thumb is that mini traffic circles, which are usually found in residential areas, have the same rules as a four-way stop – first come first served. For larger traffic circles, which are usually found at busy crossings to assist with the traffic flow, you must give way to the right.

Rules to remember at a large traffic circle

As you arrive at a large traffic circle, traffic coming from your right has right of way, regardless of how many cars there are. Wait until there is a gap in the traffic and then ease slowly into the circle. Watch out for other traffic in the circle and be aware that they may not be using their indicators.

Use your indicators

Signal when you are going to turn – switch your indicator on immediately after passing the exit prior to the one you intend taking. If you are taking the first exit, i.e. you're turning left, then flick on your left indicator and keep in the outside/left-hand lane. Keeping in the outside/left-hand lane also works well if you're continuing straight ahead, as your exit is very close. After you've passed the left-turn exit and yours is next, signal left and you're free. If you're turning right or performing a U-turn, keep in the inside/right-hand lane. Only signal left and change into the left-hand lane once you've passed the other exits and only yours is ahead.

Rules to remember at a mini traffic circle

The first vehicle to cross the line has the right of way, so it really works on the same principle as a four-way stop or yield sign. Proceed in a clockwise direction around the circle, without driving on it.

News Archive

UFS keeps the power on

2015-06-24

At a recent Emergency Power Indaba held on the Bloemfontein Campus, support structures at the university met to discuss the Business Continuity Intervention Plan to manage load shedding on the three campuses of the UFS.

Currently, 35 generators serving 55 of the buildings have already been installed as a back-up power supply on the three campuses of the university. According to Anton Calitz, Electrical Engineer at the UFS, the running cost to produce a kWh of electricity with a diesel generator amounts to approximately three times the cost at which the UFS buys electricity from Centlec.

Planned additional generators will attract in excess of R4 million in operating costs per year. For 2015, the UFS senior leadership approved R11 million, spread over the three campuses. Remaining requirements will be spread out over the next three years. University Estates is also looking at renewable energy sources.

On the Bloemfontein Campus, 26 generators serving forty-one buildings are in operation. On South Campus, two generators were installed at the new Education Building and at the ICT Server Room. Lecture halls, the Arena, the Administration Building, and the library will be added later in 2015. Eight generators serving 12 buildings are in operation on the Qwaqwa Campus. In 2015, the Humanities Building, Lecture Halls and the heat pump room will also be equipped with generators.

Most buildings will be supplied only with partial emergency power. In rare cases, entire buildings will be supplied because the cost of connecting is lower than re-wiring for partial demand. According to Nico Janse van Rensburg, Senior Director at University Estates, emergency power will be limited to lighting and power points only. No allowances will be made for air-conditioning.

“Most area lighting will also be connected to emergency power,” he said.

Where spare capacity is available on existing emergency power generators, requests received for additional connections will be added, where possible, within the guidelines. The following spaces will receive preference:
- Lecture halls with the lights, data projectors, and computers running
- Laboratories for practical academic work and sensitive research projects
- Academic research equipment that is sensitive to interruptions
- Buildings hosting regular events

According to Janse van Rensburg, all further needs will be investigated. Staff can forward all emergency power supply needs to Anton Calitz at calitzja@ufs.ac.za

Staff and students can also manage load shedding in the following ways:

1. Carry a small torch with you at all times, in case you are on a stairwell or other dark area when the lights go out. You can also use the flashlight app on your phone. Download it before any load shedding occurs. This can come in handy if the lights go out suddenly, and you cannot find a flashlight. Load-shedding after dark imposes even more pressure on our Campus Security staff. We can assist them with our vigilance and preparedness by carrying portable lights with us at all times and by assisting colleagues.
2. Candles pose a serious safety risk. Rather use battery- or solar-powered lights during load shedding.
3. Ensure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank, because petrol stations cannot pump fuel during power outages.
4. Ensure that you have enough cash, because ATMs cannot operate without electricity.
5. The UFS Sasol Library has study venues available which students can use during load shedding.
6. When arranging events which are highly dependent on power supply, especially at night, organisers should consult the load-shedding schedule before determining dates and preferably also make back-up arrangements. If generators are a necessity, the financial impact should be taken into consideration.

The senior leadership also approved a list of buildings to be equipped with emergency power supplies.

More about load shedding at the UFS:
Getting out of the dark
More information, guidelines and contact information

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