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Well, when used as directed they are superior to 4 way stops or lights. I wish we had more of them, especially as an alternative to 4 way stops, which the average poor American driver can't seem to handle (and the problem of poor drivers is to the nth here in California).
Never had any traffic flow problems before the construction of our rotary. It was straight on through and over the mountain to home for me. The thing is poorly designed, totally unlit at night, and just begging a major accident as many cars seem to be confused about whether to yield, despite the signs.
Forgot to say, there was a terrible accident about 10 years ago in a town adjacent to the city I grew up in. Two teenage sisters were going around a rotary and got hit I believe from behind (they were in a jeep) and their car caught fire and they died in the crash. Will never forget that sad day.
I don't see how they're better than a 4 way stop. At least then, you know who has the right of way.
In a traffic circle (roundabout) nobody/everybody has the right of way.
LOL ~ when we were in Tuscany, one day we were out in the middle of absolutely nowhere, no other streets, no buildings, nothing....and we encountered an isolated roundabout. We about died laughing going around it. Must have been something the gov't cooked up to provide work.
Europeans know how to use them. Last year we were riding with my German friend who has lived in France most of her adult life. She flew through the rotaries, be they in town or country. What I did notice however that she always did was use her turn signal to indicate which road she was exiting it on so others knew. Don't think I've ever seen that in the states.
Well, when used as directed they are superior to 4 way stops or lights. I wish we had more of them, especially as an alternative to 4 way stops, which the average poor American driver can't seem to handle (and the problem of poor drivers is to the nth here in California).
I have no doubt that they can be better than the four way stop. However, when governmental officials decide to put them in WITHOUT proper advanced warning to the driving population which is NOT familiar with the rules, you are asking for trouble. They have no problem spending hundreds of millions in public service announcements on tobacco and the cause du jour. Why not spend a few dollars educating the public in advance.
Also is it really necessary to place three roundabouts in under 1/4 mile which has happened recently in Wisconsin?
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Actually, Tucson is worse. In the historical district, they put a huge circular planter in the middle of MANY of the intersections and call those rotaries. I cannot wait until an ambulance, fire truck, or moving truck has to navigate around the mess.
Europeans know how to use them. Last year we were riding with my German friend who has lived in France most of her adult life. She flew through the rotaries, be they in town or country. What I did notice however that she always did was use her turn signal to indicate which road she was exiting it on so others knew. Don't think I've ever seen that in the states.
We were the only ones out there! The place was deserted, just this silly rotary and no cars or anything else to be seen. It was laughable, there was no possible reason for putting one there.
It's not about being a senior. It's about not living in Europe. Let's put some French or British drivers on the Freeways of LA! Roundabouts are child's play.
The freeways of Los Angeles are very easy to drive on, and I am 70. They are well marked (i.e., large easy-to-read signs well in advance). I have never understood why people talk about Los Angeles freeways as if they were some sort of big deal. Maybe if someone is such a small town hick he has never encountered a road wider than one lane in each direction, it can seem intimidating at first.
I have driven in both Paris and Rome (although a long time ago), and there is no comparison. Los Angeles is so tame.
I'm 70 and have no problem with roundabouts or any kind of traffic situation. If you're a good driver it doesn't matter how old you are. Bad drivers come in all age groups.
I could have written that part of your post word for word. It's almost eerie.
I'm a senior and last week in Wisconsin went through about 16 rotary's and had no problem and most of them were during the rush hour. Oshkosh has several of them just going over one of the freeways
The freeways of Los Angeles are very easy to drive on, and I am 70. They are well marked (i.e., large easy-to-read signs well in advance). I have never understood why people talk about Los Angeles freeways as if they were some sort of big deal. Maybe if someone is such a small town hick he has never encountered a road wider than one lane in each direction, it can seem intimidating at first.
I have driven in both Paris and Rome (although a long time ago), and there is no comparison. Los Angeles is so tame.
Everyone likes to give California no credit for anything. However, there are FOUR things that California does well, probably better than most other states.
First, as Escort mentions, all interstates are CLEARLY marked in a way that those unfamiliar are well informed. You know when you are getting on the freeway and in which direction you are going.
Second, the roads are generally well maintained. While some would say DUH, they get no weather, the roads are still very good in the Sierras where they get real weather.
Third, unlike a lot of states, they have reflectors on most roads making the lanes easier to see even when weather conditions are less than ideal.
Finally, when there is a disaster (i.e., landslides and the like), CALTRANS gets on it immediately and can get the roads moving again.
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