Posted on Thu, Aug 27, 2009 : 9:45 a.m.
What do you think about traffic roundabouts?
By Stefanie Murray
New data from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments shows traffic circles recently built in Ann Arbor have reduced accidents by nearly 40 percent in 2008.
Still, there's a perception that traffic circles can be confusing.
Comments
theodynus
Mon, Aug 31, 2009 : 8:52 a.m.
JE, they're also safer for pedestrians. A part of creating safe roads is making things feel dangerous enough that people pay closer attention to what they're doing. You see this in places with good traffic calming (narrowed intersections, speed bumps, etc). Entering traffic is forced down to speeds which would give you a good chance of surviving getting hit. You only need to look one way when crossing a given crosswalk. You're also more visible to motorists than at a normal intersection with multiple directions of stopped and moving traffic blocking visibility.
JE
Fri, Aug 28, 2009 : 7:08 p.m.
As a person who has a problem walking and is concerned for others who may have trouble getting through these areas safely, I see them as a needless safety hazard to pedestrians. je
clara
Thu, Aug 27, 2009 : 7:45 p.m.
I don't mind using them but the drivers behind me don't like them because I drive the posted speed limit in them so I can read all the signage.
Karl
Thu, Aug 27, 2009 : 10:39 a.m.
Roundabouts are fantastic, but we've done a poor job educating drivers on them. Which is sad, because they are far easier to get through than a traffic-loaded 4-way stop. All you need to know: Yield to the left and stay in your lane. That's it.