Tales From the Roadside Pt.3
The Manic Roundabout (First published Mid 2001)
ROUNDABOUTS
(Circular Intersections)
Roundabouts were first invented as a concept in the early 1900's and were discarded, all over towns and countryside, with glee across Europe and America. An intersection that allows traffic to converge from a number of different directions without the need for stop signs or signals. Thus creating a relatively smooth flow of traffic at all times. During the 50's many were replaced by traffic signals, due to an increasing number of accidents. And then in 1956, the modern roundabout was born.
MODERN ROUNDABOUTS
(Circular Intersections with Thought)
The modern roundabout dictates "yield at access". Those entering the intersection MUST give way to those already using it. The first was introduced to the UK in 1956 and in 1966 a nationwide launch brought about a roundabout revolution. Australia and other UK influenced countries helped to build the momentum, but countries that drive on the right have been much slower to catch up.
The French have not quite gotten to grips with driving yet, so using their roundabouts is probably not wise.
Portugal seems to have built roundabouts with aesthetics in mind and as such has not quite got the hang of them, but: -
Holland - Saw a 95% reduction in injuries to passengers, as roundabouts replaced signalled intersections.
Lisbon, Maryland - Built their first modern roundabout in April 1993. It replaced a four legged intersection that was controlled by a flashing beacon. From an average of eight personal injuries per year there was a reduction to none from July 1993 to April 1995. That's 21 months without any injuries!
MANIC ROUNDABOUTS
(Circular Intersections with vehicles on them)
Now the problem with Modern Roundabouts is people. There are 4 types of people that use roundabouts.
1) You and I - People who understand the concept and use with care.
2) Clingons - No matter how many lanes or legs, these people will cling to the inner edge of the circle and reduce traffic flow by about 50%. They will also cut you up on exit. (There is often a white shirt hanging in the back of the vehicle.)
3) Skirters - Again size of roundabout is irrelevant, these people refuse to leave the outer kerbside and will always be found in front of you, blocking your exit. (The driver will often have a hat on to cover the white hair on their heads.)
4) Idiots - A description of these people is available in CHASING OBLIVION, make your own conclusions.
Now, You and I make up about 10% of the driving population so my advice to you is:
APPROACH WITH CAUTION.
L.C.C.T.C.S.
(Lancashire County Council Traffic Convergence Special)
This is our local council's contribution to reducing greenhouse gas. If there has ever been an accident on a stretch of road, they seem to build a roundabout. It does not even matter if an intersection was involved; they just build it anyway. So in light of driver types 2, 3 and 4, most of us just leave our cars at home these days.
