Roundabout Solution!!!!

[outlaw]

Replace those ridiculous RB signs with a simple sign stating "Yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the RB.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

People on the main road think they have the right of way going through the round a bouts.
Alway proceed with caution. Then need a sign that says "watch out for wondering idiots"

[MikeV]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

[golfing eagles]

Replace those ridiculous RB signs with a simple sign stating "Yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the RB.

Given human nature, this would probably lead to two lanes of traffic entering the RB fighting for the inside lane in an effort to be "first"

[tuccillo]

I agree. The signs are perfectly clear.

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

[redwitch]

And then there's the question of which is the inside lane. I've heard more than one discussion of this subject. Duh!

[outlaw]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

The confusion, IMO, is that depending on where you entered and where you want to exit determines what lane you should be in. So you can only assume that the cars around you may or may not be exiting at the next exit. It is somewhat of a free for all. Might as well have no signs and no rules. Maybe a sign that says "Enter at your own risk." Unless I am missing something in the signage????

[outlaw]

And then there's the question of which is the inside lane. I've heard more than one discussion of this subject. Duh!

I would think the inside lane of a two-lane circle would be evident...but apparently not.

[Bonny]

Here is the picture for the roundabouts from The Villages.

[DeanFL]

A solution - replace each roundabout with below. May be a bit costly, but hey - this is TV...
Or, each TV residential car/cart gets a toll-free wireless transmitter. Non-residents must pay .25 toll to go thru each one.

[golfing eagles]

The other problem/solution arises from a failure to follow traffic law in general: Upon entering a RB, or any multilane road for that matter, you MUST yield to traffic in BOTH lanes--this would ensure adequate spacing (for those with common sense) to accommodate those exiting from the inside lane who have gone 1/2 way around "in front" of those who entered 1/4 way around later and are going straight. How many times do you see a driver pull out of a parking lot, or make a right on red into the right lane when traffic is coming in the left lane? This is clearly against the law, and somewhat dangerous. How many trust that driver not to be swinging out into your lane?

[billethkid]

Signs are certainly not the answer.
Proof? How effective are the stop signs and speed limit signs?

[tuccillo]

Signs do nothing but provide information. Enforcement of laws is another issue. The signs are doing a fine job. If people choose to ignore the law that can't be blamed on signs.

Signs are certainly not the answer.
Proof? How effective are the stop signs and speed limit signs?

[billethkid]

Signs will not do the job.
Proof? Stop signs and speed limit signs are throughout TV doing their job of informing drivers what they should do or not do.

Still they do not work because there is lack of enforcement.
THEREFORE: adding new signs directing round about traffic will be no more effective that the existing signs without proper enforcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

[tuccillo]

In my opinion, we don't need any new signs. The current signs that indicated which lane you should choose when entering the roundabouts are clear. What we need are better drivers who pay attention and follow the law. I am not holding my breath.

Signs will not do the job.
Proof? Stop signs and speed limit signs are throughout TV doing their job of informing drivers what they should do or not do.

Still they do not work because there is lack of enforcement.
THEREFORE: adding new signs directing round about traffic will be no more effective that the existing signs without proper enforcement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:D

[Karen R]

YIELD, if you are about to cross a dotted white line. You have the right of way if you are not crossing the white dotted line.

[Bogie Shooter]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

This is the right answer, no more, no less.

[Bogie Shooter]

The confusion, IMO, is that depending on where you entered and where you want to exit determines what lane you should be in. So you can only assume that the cars around you may or may not be exiting at the next exit. It is somewhat of a free for all. Might as well have no signs and no rules. Maybe a sign that says "Enter at your own risk." Unless I am missing something in the signage????

Why would there be cars around you if the Yield signs are obeyed?

[Bonny]

YIELD, if you are about to cross a dotted white line. You have the right of way if you are not crossing the white dotted line.
Actually the Villages states that if there is an accident, the person on the outside will be determined to be at fault.

[Karen R]

Bonny, that does not always hold true. A car on the inside lane cannot cross the dotted white line into a right lane occupied by another car. The white dotted lines require a yield to move into an occupied lane.

[Bogie Shooter]

YIELD, if you are about to cross a dotted white line. You have the right of way if you are not crossing the white dotted line.

Who is on first?

[Karen R]

Chapter 4, Florida Driver's Handbook, "Broken White Line
A broken white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you have signaled, and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes."

[Bogie Shooter]

Actually the Villages states that if there is an accident, the person on the outside will be determined to be at fault.

You did mean a person outside The Villages..........right?:wave:

[Bob McKeever]

The safest rule to follow is NEVER overtake another car from either side in a traffic circle.

[justjim]

Been here nine years---never had an accident in a roundabout. Ooops---did I "jinx" myself?

[Bonny]

This is on the Villages Ideas Page
******************************
If there’s an accident, the car in the right lane will be at fault. Odd, but that’s what was reported in the paper. The car in the left lane should still look and make every effort to turn in a safe manner. This turn is probably the cause of most of the accidents in the roundabouts in The Villages.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is on the Villages Ideas Page
******************************
If there’s an accident, the car in the right lane will be at fault. Odd, but that’s what was reported in the paper. The car in the left lane should still look and make every effort to turn in a safe manner. This turn is probably the cause of most of the accidents in the roundabouts in The Villages.

What is the Villages Ideas Page?

[Bonny]

What is the Villages Ideas Page?
Roundabouts - The Most Dangerous Place In The Villages, Fl (http://thevillagesideas.com/roundabouts-dangerous-place-villages-fl/)

[Karen R]

The article was not quoted accurately. It does not say that cars on the outside lane will be at fault. It says, "Cars in the right lane must yield when you are exiting. If there’s an accident, the car in the right lane will be at fault. " It was a context specific statement, not a generalized rule of thumb.

[rubicon]

Chapter 4, Florida Driver's Handbook, "Broken White Line
A broken white line separates two lanes traveling in the same direction. Once you have signaled, and if it is safe to do so, you may cross this line when changing lanes."

Rules of the road are pretty standard across the country. also the vehicle to your right has the right away

round-a-bouts are easily navigated and I believe the people who experience problems are less confident about entering them then the average driver. I suspect they also have trouble with on/off ramps

You just have to have a leap of faith and trust every driver is doing his/her part and then verify :D

[Bogie Shooter]

Roundabouts - The Most Dangerous Place In The Villages, Fl (http://thevillagesideas.com/roundabouts-dangerous-place-villages-fl/)

Thats just another person's opinion that was posted on that site. Sorry Bonnie, no different than all the "experts" opinions posted on here.

[Bonny]

Thats just another person's opinion that was posted on that site. Sorry Bonnie, no different than all the "experts" opinions posted on here.
They said that this is what was printed in the paper. I remember when they put that article in the Sun.
That's okay when this thread dies down, we only have to wait a month or so then there will be a new thread started about it. LOL :loco:

[Karen R]

Good grief Rubicon, cite a FL statute to support your statement that a vehicle to your right has the right of way - in a roundabout- you are not going to find one.

[Bonny]

Rules of the road are pretty standard across the country. also the vehicle to your right has the right away
This is definitely not true.

[Polar Bear]

Thats just another person's opinion that was posted on that site. Sorry Bonnie, no different than all the "experts" opinions posted on here.

Yep. Just looks like another post on one of the many roundabout threads.

[Polar Bear]

...the vehicle to your right has the right away...

Not sure where you picked that one up.

[blueeagle65]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

Thanks Mike. You said it all.

[Hunger Mountain]

Yield schmeld, lets just hang tires on the side of our cars to bag some fun!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Replace those ridiculous RB signs with a simple sign stating "Yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the RB.

First of all, you're implying that there is a problem with the round abouts that needs a solution. I disagree. They're fine the way they are.

But, addressing your "solution" people in the right hand lane going to the second exit should not have to worry about people in the inside lane taking the first exit. Drivers int he left hand lane should not be taking the first exit. I see your idea causing more problems then it solves.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Actually the Villages states that if there is an accident, the person on the outside will be determined to be at fault.

Really? a driver on the inside lane takes the first exit and causes a collision with a car in the right hand lane whose intention it is to take the second exit the the car on the outside is at fault?

Where did you read this?

Even if some document that The Villages produces says something like this, it doesn't supercede state law.

[golfing eagles]

First of all, you're implying that there is a problem with the round abouts that needs a solution. I disagree. They're fine the way they are.

But, addressing your "solution" people in the right hand lane going to the second exit should not have to worry about people in the inside lane taking the first exit. Drivers int he left hand lane should not be taking the first exit. I see your idea causing more problems then it solves.

However, it could be the SECOND exit for the driver in the left lane if he started 90 degrees to your left, while it is the first exit for you

[SoccerCoach]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

Mike, you're correct and your first sentence says it best.

[Mikeod]

However, it could be the SECOND exit for the driver in the left lane if he started 90 degrees to your left, while it is the first exit for you
But you wouldn't/shouldn't have entered the RAB if someone was approaching from your left. So, if it did result in a crunch, it would still be your fault. That's why you yield to all traffic coming from your left before entering the RAB.

[golfing eagles]

But you wouldn't/shouldn't have entered the RAB if someone was approaching from your left. So, if it did result in a crunch, it would still be your fault. That's why you yield to all traffic coming from your left before entering the RAB.

Exactly. :agree: Which was my point in post # 11

[Bogie Shooter]

:popcorn::popcorn:

[zonerboy]

We don't need a "solution" to the roundabouts. All it takes to negotiate them is a minimum of common sense. In addition, if you want to play it safe, never attempt to pass another vehicle while in a roundabout. If you really need to pass some one, do it on the straight aways.

[KristiB]

There is this crazy invention in cars now-a-days called a blinker or indicator. It allows people to know if you plan on turning. This crazy concept would solve HALF of the problems with the RB's. Leaving a RB is no different than turning right or left off of a street (not that people religiously let other drivers know when they are doing that either). If people would use them to let others know when they are exiting the RB, it would allow the "outside" lane know, and also incoming traffic as well, so that traffic can flow smoother.....the whole point of a RB. There is no correcting bad drivers and lack of common sense, but I whole heartedly believe that every buyer (new or used house) and renter in TV should receive a piece of paper on how our RB's work. There are many people that have never driven in one until coming here. For some reason driving etiquette seems to disappear when arriving in TV. The signs make perfect sense, that is not the problem.

[JayGeeFL]

What is all the problem With the roundabouts? The crazy people here who Just don't get it. That's the problem ...
Only and I repeat ONLY here in the villages do you get people who think it's ok to not yield and drive straight onto the roundaboutdespite traffic already in the RB circle and better still those in the circle. Or those who slow down or STOP in the circle to allow cars to enter the roundabout .. This is where the cops should be giving tickets - ignorance is no excuse to Endanger other peoples lives. ?

[JohnFromMaine]

I'm not surprised that no one mentions using your turn signals. So many drivers, both cars and golf carts, don't use their turn signals. In cars in roundabouts, using your turn signal helps communicate your intentions but still, the best action is to drive carefully and defensively. Be alert for the other cars maybe doing the wrong thing.

[tcxr750]

Thanks to modern technology the RB will be saved by the Autonomous Automobile. While your texting and sipping a cool drink on the way to the golf course your AA will be navigating the RB without the need for your intervention. Truly, a brave new world.LOL

[kalisak]

Bridges are not only super expensive, but require much land for the approaches. You're looking at 40 acres at least for a RB like that. Wouldn't fit in TV.
Problem is people making left turns from the right lane. They stay in the right lane all the way to the third exit, and if someone is in the inside lane expecting them to exit at no2, you have a problem. They think its easier because they don't have to change lanes. The system works if people follow the rules. Of course there's many who don't - give them a ticket - word will get around -fast.

[wrbrunk]

I'm not surprised that no one mentions using your turn signals. So many drivers, both cars and golf carts, don't use their turn signals. In cars in roundabouts, using your turn signal helps communicate your intentions but still, the best action is to drive carefully and defensively. Be alert for the other cars maybe doing the wrong thing.

Perfectly said. :BigApplause:Can I have an Amen for JohnFromMaine?

[Heyitsrick]

Here's an example of a Dutch roundabout. The striping makes it pretty obvious what lane to be in, and you can see how an inside lane essentially becomes an outside lane (unless one veers inside where appropriate) depending upon the position one is in inside the RB:

http://i1.tinypic.com/xm8k1w.jpg

Here's a Google Earth image (you can zoom in/out on this) that shows a similar RB in Vancouver, WA that while not quite as clearly striped as the Dutch version, IMHO, looks familiar:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver,+WA/@45.6572113,-122.5320706,162m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x5495af63c85914f9:0x8456d 5112c91e3f3!6m1!1e1

[mikebudd]

Whatever you all decide please please use directional indicators so drivers, waiting till the last second for you to make up your mind, can start off, instead of sitting like spare dinners until you have made your turn. Please don't assume we are all clairvoyant !!

[outlaw]

Really? a driver on the inside lane takes the first exit and causes a collision with a car in the right hand lane whose intention it is to take the second exit the the car on the outside is at fault?

Where did you read this?

Even if some document that The Villages produces says something like this, it doesn't supercede state law.

From your perspective, it may be the first exit. From that driver's perspective, it may be his third exit. It depends where the driver enters. Consequently, all four exits can be accessed legally from either lane. Thus the dilemma.

[mtdjed]

Roundabouts can be confusing to explain but common sense can prevail. I find two common issues most dangerous. 1/ When in the roundabout approaching an incoming road, cars incoming are supposed to yield. Always expect that they may not yield. 2/ When in a roundabout, cars in the outside lane are expected to turn right or go straight and those on the inside should go straight or turn left. Expect both to do the unexpected.

[outlaw]

Here's an example of a Dutch roundabout. The striping makes it pretty obvious what lane to be in, and you can see how an inside lane essentially becomes an outside lane (unless one veers inside where appropriate) depending upon the position one is in inside the RB:

http://i1.tinypic.com/xm8k1w.jpg

Here's a Google Earth image (you can zoom in/out on this) that shows a similar RB in Vancouver, WA that while not quite as clearly striped as the Dutch version, IMHO, looks familiar:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver,+WA/@45.6572113,-122.5320706,162m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x5495af63c85914f9:0x8456d 5112c91e3f3!6m1!1e1

This makes more sense to me. It gives the right of way to the inside lane at each exit and forces the outside lane to exit at each exit...I think.

[Golfer in Sanibel]

Actually the Villages states that if there is an accident, the person on the outside will be determined to be at fault.

I agree with Bonny. The Police will tell you the same. :BigApplause:

[outlaw]

Actually the Villages states that if there is an accident, the person on the outside will be determined to be at fault.

That agrees with my initial post; "yield to the inside lane".... I feel better now.

[golfing eagles]

Here's an example of a Dutch roundabout. The striping makes it pretty obvious what lane to be in, and you can see how an inside lane essentially becomes an outside lane (unless one veers inside where appropriate) depending upon the position one is in inside the RB:

http://i1.tinypic.com/xm8k1w.jpg

Here's a Google Earth image (you can zoom in/out on this) that shows a similar RB in Vancouver, WA that while not quite as clearly striped as the Dutch version, IMHO, looks familiar:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver,+WA/@45.6572113,-122.5320706,162m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x5495af63c85914f9:0x8456d 5112c91e3f3!6m1!1e1

Not so sure this is a great example. Looks like the white car and the dump truck at the top of the picture are 1/2 sec away from an "incident"

[bobnyce]

I always thought you exit from the outside lane not the center lane. Imagine if cars would be allowed to exit the interstate from the center lane. It should be the responsibility of the car that wants to exit to get to the right lane and if that means you must go around the circle a second time - so be it. Exit only from the right lane!

[Bonny]

I always thought you exit from the outside lane not the center lane. Imagine if cars would be allowed to exit the interstate from the center lane. It should be the responsibility of the car that wants to exit to get to the right lane and if that means you must go around the circle a second time - so be it. Exit only from the right lane!
Once in the roundabout, you don't want to be changing lanes. :eek:

[outlaw]

I always thought you exit from the outside lane not the center lane. Imagine if cars would be allowed to exit the interstate from the center lane. It should be the responsibility of the car that wants to exit to get to the right lane and if that means you must go around the circle a second time - so be it. Exit only from the right lane!

That's not the way RBs work.

[Wandatime]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

Does seem simple, doesn't it? Yet I have seen just about everything you can imagine except for people actually backing around the round-a-bouts, and I'm pretty sure one day that too will happen.

[Warren Kiefer]

replace those ridiculous rb signs with a simple sign stating "yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the rb.

absolutely right on !!! Yielding to the inside traffic is really dumb. This gives the inside driver permission to cut off other drivers in the outer lane. Take highway 27/441 for instance, is it acceptable for a driver traveling in the inside lanes to make a right turn exit in front of the traffic in the outer lane.

[outlaw]

absolutely right on !!! Yielding to the inside traffic is really dumb. This gives the inside driver permission to cut off other drivers in the outer lane. Take highway 27/441 for instance, is it acceptable for a driver traveling in the inside lanes to make a right turn exit in front of the traffic in the outer lane.

I was on 441, in Leeburg, the other day. There is a fork in the south traveling lanes. The right lane is forced to take the right fork. The "inside" or left lane has the option of taking the left OR right fork. That's kind of how you have to view the RBs; each exit is a fork in the road. At least, that's how I view them.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I always thought you exit from the outside lane not the center lane. Imagine if cars would be allowed to exit the interstate from the center lane. It should be the responsibility of the car that wants to exit to get to the right lane and if that means you must go around the circle a second time - so be it. Exit only from the right lane!

You're not exiting anything. You're simply staying in your lane. It's as if interstate off ramps had two lanes and the rule was that you can exit the interstate or stay on form the left hand lane, but you must exit if in the right hand lane.

And what you're suggesting is not the law. The law says that if you intend to turn right, you must use the right hand lane. If you intend to turn left, you must use the left hand lane. If you are going straight, you may use either lane.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I was on 441, in Leeburg, the other day. There is a fork in the south traveling lanes. The right lane is forced to take the right fork. The "inside" or left lane has the option of taking the left OR right fork. That's kind of how you have to view the RBs; each exit is a fork in the road. At least, that's how I view them.

Bingo! I'll repeat myself. In the case of a roundabout, you are not exiting a roadway. It's much more like a two lane fork in the road.

[cpbis]

The ra's are to small to use properly. If you enter from the right side you should enter the first right turn, if you are going to the second entrance you should enter from the left side and proceed to the right before the entrance. There just isn't enough room to do so properly so those on the left (using their directional signal) should enter their exit turn from the left. It is confusing and somewhat dangerous. Many of the problems could be solved by having only one lane in the roundabouts (but that is not feasible for several reasons) and then people using their turn signals, but that seems unlikely.

[twohippes]

Replace those ridiculous RB signs with a simple sign stating "Yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the RB.

Yes, but the only problem is that there are way too many people who don't know the meaning of the word "YIELD"

[outlaw]

Yes, but the only problem is that there are way too many people who don't know the meaning of the word "YIELD"

Can you imagine those same people looking at those "map" signs and thinking "what the ..." just as they enter the RBs?

[maru8]

Better still is to have only ONE lane going around and eliminate the wonder if the middle lane is going to turn or not. It works well in other places I have been with the RB's!!!

[outlaw]

Better still is to have only ONE lane going around and eliminate the wonder if the middle lane is going to turn or not. It works well in other places I have been with the RB's!!!

Yes. I agree. But many on TOTV have not experienced single lane RBs and dismiss them immediately as not viable in TV.

[Polar Bear]

I'm not surprised that no one mentions using your turn signals...

Perfectly said. :BigApplause:Can I have an Amen for JohnFromMaine?

I agree....using signals is definitely a good thing. But it is mentioned in the roundabout threads regularly.

[biker1]

There isn't a middle lane, only left and right lanes. Just follow the signs. This isn't rocket science.

Better still is to have only ONE lane going around and eliminate the wonder if the middle lane is going to turn or not. It works well in other places I have been with the RB's!!!

[mgman]

So simple, one rule....If you cross a dotted line (or solid) you must yield to the lane you are moving to. That simple......and that is just what the law says. No concerns where you enter or where you exit. Just yield when you cross a line. If you want a second rule it would be......Be careful, many people don't follow rule one.

[zonerboy]

Most people moving here have been driving for at least 40 years. They drive as if nothing has changed since they got their first divers license, and they are completely unwilling to learn to handle anything new. Everything should be changed to accommodate how they drive.

[biker1]

Regarding crossing a dotted line, I believe that is already a law. Also, you can't cross a solid line.

So simple, one rule....If you cross a dotted line (or solid) you must yield to the lane you are moving to. That simple......and that is just what the law says. No concerns where you enter or where you exit. Just yield when you cross a line. If you want a second rule it would be......Be careful, many people don't follow rule one.

[kathy]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

AMEN to that

New York, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Viet Nam, Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Korea, Texas (think I have you beat)

[Challenger]

So simple, one rule....If you cross a dotted line (or solid) you must yield to the lane you are moving to. That simple......and that is just what the law says. No concerns where you enter or where you exit. Just yield when you cross a line. If you want a second rule it would be......Be careful, many people don't follow rule one.

Agreed -- Solid line = do not cross. broken lines = must yeild to cars already in lane into which you intend to move. Same law everywhere in US.
No difference if the road is straight or circular.

What is not clear?

[outlaw]

So simple, one rule....If you cross a dotted line (or solid) you must yield to the lane you are moving to. That simple......and that is just what the law says. No concerns where you enter or where you exit. Just yield when you cross a line. If you want a second rule it would be......Be careful, many people don't follow rule one.

I think that would be a better rule than those "map" signs that a newbie doesn't have the time to process. I know that when I was visiting here, I had no idea what those signs were indicating. Fortunately, I did not have an accident while I was figuring out what was proper. Now, I just have to deal with other people that don't know what they are supposed to do in the RBs.

[outlaw]

When I am turning leftwards in the RBs, my turn single mechanism resists locking into place to indicate a right turn. I have to hold it in place to fully indicate.

[CaptainRickA]

I think people who use their turn signals in the roundabouts considerably help others negotiating the roundabouts.

[pianoman88]

Absolutely. This is the ONLY way. Mikey, "use either lane" is the root of the problem. That has people crossing over from the inside to turn right or go straight. And, by the way, TURN SIGNALS are standard equipment on your car for a good reason. Even though Florida drivers rarely use them, they can be a big help.

[njbchbum]

I think that would be a better rule than those "map" signs that a newbie doesn't have the time to process. I know that when I was visiting here, I had no idea what those signs were indicating. Fortunately, I did not have an accident while I was figuring out what was proper. Now, I just have to deal with other people that don't know what they are supposed to do in the RBs.

'...doesn't have time..."? Funny, - I always find that I MUST MAKE THE TIME to learn about the important things like rules and regs!

[wperry701]

The round about problem could be corrected by posting a sign or painting arrows that state right lane must turn right. In so doing the driver in the inside lane can either turn right or go straight

[DONMCGRAE]

As an UK resident with loads of experience of roundabouts and an ex Villager, the answer to me is simple- EVERYONE enter the roundabout in the inside (RIGHT HAND ) lane, and everyone exits from the RIGHT HAND LANE- this keeps everyone in a controlled situation t and nobody gets hurt. I recall in 2014 a SMART car ( with a not so smart driver!!0 was in the outside lane ( LEFT HAND LANE) who decide to exit the roundabout and consequently was side swiped by a much bigger car in the RIGHT HAND lane- how stupid was the person in the smart car eh!! KEEP IT SIMPLE folks, stay behind each other in the RIGHT HAND LANE and NOBODY gets hurt!

[golfing eagles]

The round about problem could be corrected by posting a sign or painting arrows that state right lane must turn right. In so doing the driver in the inside lane can either turn right or go straight

Which would in effect turn the right lane into a first exit only lane, thus all other traffic entering from 2 lanes would be forced to merge into the left lane---sounds like a recipe for disaster

[golfing eagles]

As an UK resident with loads of experience of roundabouts and an ex Villager, the answer to me is simple- EVERYONE enter the roundabout in the inside (RIGHT HAND ) lane, and everyone exits from the RIGHT HAND LANE- this keeps everyone in a controlled situation t and nobody gets hurt. I recall in 2014 a SMART car ( with a not so smart driver!!0 was in the outside lane ( LEFT HAND LANE) who decide to exit the roundabout and consequently was side swiped by a much bigger car in the RIGHT HAND lane- how stupid was the person in the smart car eh!! KEEP IT SIMPLE folks, stay behind each other in the RIGHT HAND LANE and NOBODY gets hurt!

And this "solution" just turns the RBs into a single lane as suggested by others. The answer is simple----YIELD. This means YIELD to traffic in both lanes already in the RB, YIELD to the bozo cutting in front of you to exit from the left lane, and better yet, do not ride side by side with anyone in a RB.
Rule 1: 2 cars cannot occupy the same space at the same time
Rule 2: Something like 70% of ALL accidents have the same cause---failure to YIELD the right of way. I was hoping that by the average age of the TV drivers, we would have lost the "me first" attitude. (That would be the same attitude that causes drivers to race ahead of a golf cart to beat them to a merge, the same attitude that leads to roping off seats at the squares, the same attitude that makes drivers turn on red and cut you off, etc.)

[Polar Bear]

As an UK resident with loads of experience of roundabouts and an ex Villager, the answer to me is simple- EVERYONE enter the roundabout in the inside (RIGHT HAND ) lane, and everyone exits from the RIGHT HAND LANE- this keeps everyone in a controlled situation t and nobody gets hurt. I recall in 2014 a SMART car ( with a not so smart driver!!0 was in the outside lane ( LEFT HAND LANE) who decide to exit the roundabout and consequently was side swiped by a much bigger car in the RIGHT HAND lane- how stupid was the person in the smart car eh!! KEEP IT SIMPLE folks, stay behind each other in the RIGHT HAND LANE and NOBODY gets hurt!
Maybe nobody gets hurt (that's far from a certainty) but you've effectively halved the capacity of all connected roadways. Simply can't be done.

[golfing eagles]

As an UK resident with loads of experience of roundabouts and an ex Villager, the answer to me is simple- EVERYONE enter the roundabout in the inside (RIGHT HAND ) lane, and everyone exits from the RIGHT HAND LANE- this keeps everyone in a controlled situation t and nobody gets hurt. I recall in 2014 a SMART car ( with a not so smart driver!!0 was in the outside lane ( LEFT HAND LANE) who decide to exit the roundabout and consequently was side swiped by a much bigger car in the RIGHT HAND lane- how stupid was the person in the smart car eh!! KEEP IT SIMPLE folks, stay behind each other in the RIGHT HAND LANE and NOBODY gets hurt!

and BTW, I thought you had right and left mixed up until I realized that everyone in the UK drives on the WRONG side of the road (lol):smiley:

[forebubba]

The signs are very clear. Imagine you are going down a 4 lane road. 2 lanes in each direction. You need to turn left, do you turn left from the right lane? NO. Well this is true in the circles. Very simple isn't.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wonderful.............90 posts and counting.

[rcpds]

IMO ... get rid of the dual lanes ... single lane roundabouts ... yield to vehicles already in the roundabout ... majority of vehicles wait for a clearing to enter anyways

[biker1]

Bad idea as it cuts the bandwidth through the Roundabout in half. Just pay attention to the signs that indicated which lane you should be in.

IMO ... get rid of the dual lanes ... single lane roundabouts ... yield to vehicles already in the roundabout ... majority of vehicles wait for a clearing to enter anyways

[larimor]

There are no roundabouts in The Villages. What we call traffic circles are really just round intersections. If you treat them that way, you will never have a problem. There are no law in FL specific to driving in them except it's illegal to drive on the center divider. The lines in the "round" intersection mark the travel lanes just as though the road were straight and by law requires signaling before crossing them. You cannot drive willy nilly through them as you please, like it or not.

[outlaw]

Bad idea as it cuts the bandwidth through the Roundabout in half. Just pay attention to the signs that indicated which lane you should be in.

Actually, it doesn't cut the bandwidth in half. That would only be the case if all drivers maximized all the space in both lanes in the RBs and the RBs were completely filled to capacity.

[biker1]

I would add that you will see solid and dashed lines in the Roundabouts. Apparently, crossing a solid single line is discouraged but not illegal. This came as a bit of a surprise to me. Learned something new today.

There are no roundabouts in The Villages. What we call traffic circles are really just round intersections. If you treat them that way, you will never have a problem. There are no law in FL specific to driving in them except it's illegal to drive on the center divider. The lines in the "round" intersection mark the travel lanes just as though the road were straight and by law requires signaling before crossing them. You cannot drive willy nilly through them as you please, like it or not.

[biker1]

Whatever. It cuts the maximum bandwidth in half. Regardless, it would create a bottleneck with 2 lanes feeding down to one. Happy?

Actually, it doesn't cut the bandwidth in half. That would only be the case if all drivers maximized all the space in both lanes in the RBs and the RBs were completely filled to capacity.

[Polar Bear]

There are no roundabouts in The Villages. What we call traffic circles are really just round intersections...
Heheh. Yeah. And there are no interchanges on interstate highways...just intersections with overpasses. :)

[golfing eagles]

Heheh. Yeah. And there are no interchanges on interstate highways...just intersections with overpasses. :)

Good one:BigApplause:

[ScottRAB]

Two rules for modern roundabouts that are not well communicated:

do not pass other vehicles in a multi-lane circular roadway.
yield to all lanes in a multi-lane circular roadway

Not following these two rules is usually what causes most crashes at multi-lane modern roundabouts.

[golfing eagles]

[QUOTE=ScottRAB;1086476]Two rules for modern roundabouts that are not well communicated:

yield to all lanes in a multi-lane circular roadway

I assume you mean UPON ENTERING
Otherwise, it reminds me of a law still on the books in Kansas from 1870's----"When two trains approach an intersection of track, both must stop and neither can start until the other one does"

[ecs828@me.com]

I think exiting from the inside is just plain crazy, not to mention hazardous.
How about installing a sign BEFORE all entries that says "Merge right before entering roundabout", and having one lane only. As far as I know the only reason for two lanes is to accommodate emergency vehicles.

[outlaw]

Whatever. It cuts the maximum bandwidth in half. Regardless, it would create a bottleneck with 2 lanes feeding down to one. Happy?

Sorry. It's the engineer in me. Two lanes feeding into the single lane RB may or may not create a bottleneck. Again, it is a capacity thing. I think for about 90% of the time, a single lane RB would move traffic smoothly. In the winter, during rush hour, one may experience a backup...

[specialk]

OOOOO I love that!! It would be way less scarey than what we have now. (especially in season)

[biker1]

Of course it is a capacity issue. I believe it would have an impact much of the time.

Sorry. It's the engineer in me. Two lanes feeding into the single lane RB may or may not create a bottleneck. Again, it is a capacity thing. I think for about 90% of the time, a single lane RB would move traffic smoothly. In the winter, during rush hour, one may experience a backup...

[Polar Bear]

Of course it is a capacity issue. I believe it would have an impact much of the time.

Yep. Single lane is simply not viable.

[mbh913]

At Hilton Head Island, a solution that has worked for many tears is requiring you to be in the right hand lane to exit a traffic circle. If you are in the right hand lane, you must exit the circle at the next fork. You cannot exit from the center lane. In other words, there is only one lane exiting a circle, though it can immediately expand to two lanes

[outlaw]

At Hilton Head Island, a solution that has worked for many tears is requiring you to be in the right hand lane to exit a traffic circle. If you are in the right hand lane, you must exit the circle at the next fork. You cannot exit from the center lane. In other words, there is only one lane exiting a circle, though it can immediately expand to two lanes

These circles are probably too small for that. It would require about 2/3 of the cars to change lanes in the RBs.

[Bogie Shooter]

in these previous threads. In addition to these there are many more threads with 40-60 posts.
Enjoy!

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/roundabouts-141546/?highlight=round+bout 207 posts

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/roundabouts-again-133913/?highlight=round+bout 52 posts

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/no-legal-way-exit-roundabout-resident-gate-117297/?highlight=round+bout 156 posts

[jim32]

There is nothing wrong with the roundabouts as they currently are. If people would look at the signs placed before entering each roundabout and follow the paths shown (remembering that a vehicle in the inside lane that entered the roundabout earlier can turn right), there would be no problem.

[outlaw]

There is nothing wrong with the roundabouts as they currently are. If people would look at the signs placed before entering each roundabout and follow the paths shown (remembering that a vehicle in the inside lane that entered the roundabout earlier can turn right), there would be no problem.

Yes. The signs are perfect. Basically, just remember that a car can use either lane to exit or continue around, depending on where it entered the RB. How simple. I wonder why there is so much confusion.

[tuccillo]

This is not true. According to the signs (on the roundabout near where I live anyway), for the first exit you should be in the right hand lane and not the left hand lane. If you are going straight through the roundabout, either lane is OK. If you are going 270 degrees around you should be in the left hand lane. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Yes. The signs are perfect. Basically, just remember that a car can use either lane to exit or continue around, depending on where it entered the RB. How simple. I wonder why there is so much confusion.

[outlaw]

This is not true. According to the signs (on the roundabout near where I live anyway), for the first exit you should be in the right hand lane and not the left hand lane. If you are going straight through the roundabout, either lane is OK. If you are going 270 degrees around you should be in the left hand lane. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

That's from your perspective. The vehicle that got onto the RB from another street sees it differently, thus a car can exit, or not, from either lane. now, if you can keep track of everyone and where they entered, you're doing pretty good.

[biker1]

It doesn't really matter as a car in the RB has the right of way over cars trying to enter the RB. At the bottom of the RBs it goes down to one lane so a car in the RB already (and not exiting before it goes down to one lane) can then position into the correct lane for an exit (and they have the right of way over cars trying to enter). If I enter from my Villages and plan to exit immediately then I will be in the right hand lane. If I am going in the opposite direction (270 degrees) I can enter either lane as I know from the signs that either lane can go straight through. I don't see an issue. Works great for the vast majority of people. Those who have problems with the RBs will probably have problems with any form of intersection.

That's from your perspective. The vehicle that got onto the RB from another street sees it differently, thus a car can exit, or not, from either lane. now, if you can keep track of everyone and where they entered, you're doing pretty good.

[John_W]

The easiest explanation I ever read was, think of a 4-way stop for two 2 lane roads intersecting. If you were making a right turn you would be in the right lane. If you were going straight, you could be in either lane. If you were turning left, you would be in the left lane. Same idea but convert it to a circle, now you have it.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/05078/images/fig4.gif

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes. The signs are perfect. Basically, just remember that a car can use either lane to exit or continue around, depending on where it entered the RB. How simple. I wonder why there is so much confusion.

Read the previous 112 posts!

[Greg Nelson]

We have a new Roundabout on US Hwy 59 at Detroit Lakes. There is one lane only..busy highway

[Polar Bear]

We have a new Roundabout on US Hwy 59 at Detroit Lakes. There is one lane only..busy highway

How many lanes on the approaching roadways?

[Greg Nelson]

2 lanes once you get in there you have the right of way

[Polar Bear]

2 lanes once you get in there you have the right of way

So can't be compared to TV roundabouts.

[Greg Nelson]

not really.. but less confusion

[LLCFL1118]

I have no problem with the way the roundabouts are set up. My issue is
I would like to see North, South, East & West arrows!! Very helpful especially for those not living here, then again for those who have been living here a long time and are aging.

[outlaw]

2 lanes once you get in there you have the right of way

what do you mean by "2 lanes"? Is it two lanes going into one?

[Bogie Shooter]

I have no problem with the way the roundabouts are set up. My issue is
I would like to see North, South, East & West arrows!! Very helpful especially for those not living here, then again for those who have been living here a long time and are aging.

How do you determine these directions when driving outside TV? I don't recall seeing those directional signs.

[outlaw]

How does one interpret the RB instructional brochure? The only diagrams illustrating examples of how to navigate through an RB are of the main roads, nothing about the secondary/neighborhood roads. I have always assumed the rules were the same for the secondary roads. If so, then, depending on where one enters, every exit can be exited in either lane, which seems crazy to me.

[KristiB]

I'm not surprised that no one mentions using your turn signals. So many drivers, both cars and golf carts, don't use their turn signals. In cars in roundabouts, using your turn signal helps communicate your intentions but still, the best action is to drive carefully and defensively. Be alert for the other cars maybe doing the wrong thing.
You might want to check out the comment that was posted 2 previous to you!!! :)

[biker1]

This has already been answered.

How does one interpret the RB instructional brochure? The only diagrams illustrating examples of how to navigate through an RB are of the main roads, nothing about the secondary/neighborhood roads. I have always assumed the rules were the same for the secondary roads. If so, then, depending on where one enters, every exit can be exited in either lane, which seems crazy to me.

[mardan1206]

Then rules for the roundabouts are the same through out the state of lorida. They are governed by FDOT. Anyone needing help navigating them or who need further information should use Google and search for Florida DOT video on roundabouts. Very helpful.

[yabbadu]

Replace those ridiculous RB signs with a simple sign stating "Yield to the inside lane at all exits". Wouldn't that provide a more consistent rule of engagement than those current signs? The current signage allows exiting from the inside lane at every exit depending on where one enters the RB.

If people do not understand arrows now how will they ever be able read statements and understand!

[outlaw]

If people do not understand arrows now how will they ever be able read statements and understand!

Unless I'm missing something, the signage basically allows for exiting from either lane depending on where one enters the RB.

[Dynsol]

If people do not understand arrows now how will they ever be able read statements and understand!

I agree...Words are subject to to being mis-understood where as arrows guide.

Arrows are on many signs all over, not just roundabouts.

[Larina]

The biggest problem is, the round abouts are too small to handle 2 lanes of traffic. they need to be dropped down to one lane like they are starting to do at Brownwood. Then there is NO question as to if you are exiting or continuing further around.

[Polar Bear]

The biggest problem is, the round abouts are too small to handle 2 lanes of traffic. they need to be dropped down to one lane like they are starting to do at Brownwood. Then there is NO question as to if you are exiting or continuing further around.

And you'll have lots of time to think about it while you wait on the merging and queueing of traffic entering from two lanes.

[dbussone]

And you'll have lots of time to think about it while you wait on the merging and queueing of traffic entering from two lanes.


And from 3-4 entrances.

We could raise money for MMP striping by setting up lawn chairs and selling tickets to watch all the road rage bouts.

[Barefoot]

Unless I'm missing something, the signage basically allows for exiting from either lane depending on where one enters the RB. IMHO, that's the biggest confusion. :shrug:

[shanson99]

I simply yield to all cars in the roundabout before me. Then I move to the lane per the diagram in the sign. Never had a problem.

[outlaw]

I simply yield to all cars in the roundabout before me. Then I move to the lane per the diagram in the sign. Never had a problem.

When the car behind you, T-bones you as you exit, then you will understand.

[Polar Bear]

When the car behind you, T-bones you as you exit, then you will understand.


If he carefully does as he says he does, it won't happen.

[outlaw]

If he carefully does as he says he does, it won't happen.

Not really.

[Barefoot]

And from 3-4 entrances.
We could raise money for MMP striping by setting up lawn chairs and selling tickets to watch all the road rage bouts.

And you could provide refreshments by bringing some wine from the wine-bottle tree you planted in your yard. :wine:

[Polar Bear]

Not really.
Yes, really. (Your turn.)

[Mikeod]

I simply yield to all cars in the roundabout before me. Then I move to the lane per the diagram in the sign. Never had a problem.
You would be safer if you got into the proper lane for your destination prior to entering the roundabout. Changing lanes, even as you enter, is not recommended. I know you probably see people travel from the right lane entering the roundabout to the left lane in the roundabout only to exit to the right lane out of the roundabout. Usually done to reduce turning the wheel, but not a good practice IMO.

[shanson99]

You would be safer if you got into the proper lane for your destination prior to entering the roundabout. Changing lanes, even as you enter, is not recommended. I know you probably see people travel from the right lane entering the roundabout to the left lane in the roundabout only to exit to the right lane out of the roundabout. Usually done to reduce turning the wheel, but not a good practice IMO.
Yes, I didn't explain my getting in the correct lane first to match the diagram. I do that before getting in roundabout Then I yield to whoever is in the roundabout before me. I am also on guard for those who don't know what yield means. I never change lanes once I'm in the roundabout.

[Shadow8IA]

#1- When entering yield to cars in roundabout
#2- Pick your lane before entering & don't change lanes
#3- You should be in the right lane if turning at the first exit, either lane if going straight ahead, and left lane for next exit or u-turn.

[Skybo]

Yes, I didn't explain my getting in the correct lane first to match the diagram. I do that before getting in roundabout Then I yield to whoever is in the roundabout before me. I am also on guard for those who don't know what yield means. I never change lanes once I'm in the roundabout.

#1- When entering yield to cars in roundabout
#2- Pick your lane before entering & don't change lanes
#3- You should be in the right lane if turning at the first exit, either lane if going straight ahead, and left lane for next exit or u-turn.

Yep, the above two posts are all you have to do. If one does that, they will be fine. I don't understand all of the hand-wringing about the roundabouts. The vast majority (thousands) of villagers, visitors and workers successfully navigate the roundabouts every day. The roundabouts efficiently move massive amounts of traffic through The Villages with very few incidents.

Sometimes I think that those who are so concerned about the signage, double-lanes and entrance/exit rules are actually the ones who are having problems with navigating the roundabouts.

[vette]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

:coolsmiley:

Well stated Mike! The signs are clear YOU CAN NOT make a left from the right lane. . . I really get peeved when society blames everyone and everything instead of seeing and admitting there own shortcomings. If people don't know how to navigate a RB, pick up one of the counties or sheriffs brochures; read the darn thing and learn. As you said "You can't fix stupid" OR lazy. . .

[outlaw]

Yep, the above two posts are all you have to do. If one does that, they will be fine. I don't understand all of the hand-wringing about the roundabouts. The vast majority (thousands) of villagers, visitors and workers successfully navigate the roundabouts every day. The roundabouts efficiently move massive amounts of traffic through The Villages with very few incidents.

Sometimes I think that those who are so concerned about the signage, double-lanes and entrance/exit rules are actually the ones who are having problems with navigating the roundabouts.

Yesterday, a car entering the RB from the inside lane, exited at the first right exit...right in front of me. It was the second time this has happened to me. According to the Sheriff's department, I would have been ticketed if I had t-boned one of those cars.

[outlaw]

:coolsmiley:

Well stated Mike! The signs are clear YOU CAN NOT make a left from the right lane. . . I really get peeved when society blames everyone and everything instead of seeing and admitting there own shortcomings. If people don't know how to navigate a RB, pick up one of the counties or sheriffs brochures; read the darn thing and learn. As you said "You can't fix stupid" OR lazy. . .

What good are the rules if they say every exit can be accessed from either lane depending on where one enters? You might as well say to use either lane to exit, period.

[Bonny]

Yesterday, a car entering the RB from the inside lane, exited at the first right exit...right in front of me. It was the second time this has happened to me. According to the Sheriff's department, I would have been ticketed if I had t-boned one of those cars.
Yes, the person in the right lane will get the ticket.

[outlaw]

Yes, the person in the right lane will get the ticket.

Yes. And the person exiting from the inside lane was in the wrong, according to the signage.

[Mikeod]

Yes. And the person exiting from the inside lane was in the wrong, according to the signage.
The only times you would exit from the inside lane is when you are either going straight through the RAB or 3/4 of the way around after entering the RAB in the inside(left) lane. To be T-boned by a car in the outside lane, that car would have to have entered the RAB from your right when it should have yielded to you in the RAB, or that car tried to go 3/4 of the way around in the outside (right) lane. In either case, the driver in the right lane is wrong and deserves the ticket.

[Polar Bear]

What good are the rules if they say every exit can be accessed from either lane depending on where one enters? You might as well say to use either lane to exit, period.

Nope. Not the same thing at all.

[outlaw]

The only times you would exit from the inside lane is when you are either going straight through the RAB or 3/4 of the way around after entering the RAB in the inside(left) lane. To be T-boned by a car in the outside lane, that car would have to have entered the RAB from your right when it should have yielded to you in the RAB, or that car tried to go 3/4 of the way around in the outside (right) lane. In either case, the driver in the right lane is wrong and deserves the ticket.

What I said is that these cars exited THEIR first exit from the left lane. THEY did not follow the "rules".

[outlaw]

Nope. Not the same thing at all.

Probably a better sign would be "enter and exit at your own risk".

[Mikeod]

What I said is that these cars exited THEIR first exit from the left lane. THEY did not follow the "rules".
Yes. I saw that problem frequently at the RAB on Morse at Pinellas. Before Morse was opened farther south cars either had to go around to the driving range or fire station or exit onto Pinellas. As a result, I saw many cars and contractor trucks use the left(inside) lane to exit to the visitor lane of Pinellas. As I feared, some people have continued the practice.

A similar problem at the same location was people exiting :Pinellas before Morse was opened south just pulled out into the RAB because there was little or no traffic continuing around the RAB. Once Morse was opened, some continued the practice causing problems with people continuing south through the RAB.

However, these are people problems, not design problems with the RAB or signage.

[Dynsol]

You can't fix stupid. The signs are clear in my opinion, If you want to go left stay in the left lane. If you want to go right get in the right lane. If you want to go straight then either lane. What is so darn hard about that?

Agree...Arrows are a universal language on any road. English not required!

[Wavy Chips]

///

[Wavy Chips]

Would any of these help?

[outlaw]

Would any of these help?

Those pictures accurately portray the clarity of the TV RB signage. Clear as mud!

[graciegirl]

How long have you been here, Outlaw? Six months? Usually the roundabouts pose problems for newbies for awhile, but eventually folks figure it out. I think they are fine the way they are and all you need to remember is to be VERY careful of others in the roundabout at the same time. They may be making an unexpected exit, so stay away from them.


I can only remember reading about a couple of accidents in roundabouts in the past eight years. Because of cars either stopping or slowly entering the speed is generally low and the accidents are not life threatening. So much safer than people blowing stop lights.

[Philip Drugge]

I lived in New England most of my life. We NEVER had this much trouble with roundabouts or rotaries. In almost all instances traffic is limited to ONE lane going into the rotary. If there are two lanes (think El Camino Real at Savannah center) paint lines that channel all cars to one lane. Then, in the rotary, have one lane painted or none at all. Rotary traffic has the right of way. Cars entering merge into that traffic and exit wherever they wish from one lane going around. Cars exiting should signal to let the person behind them know they are turning off.

After witnessing an accident in a rotary where a vehicle in the inside lane, closest to the center, struck a car on his right while trying to exit, I went and spoke to Pete Wahl, the big guy at one time. I told him of this solution and he said there is so much traffic in TV that it wouldn't work. This was when there were a lot less folks here. At that point I said, you've never been to Boston and left. Right now I am on Cape Cod and the are many of these rotaries in the area. They are all one lane in, one lane around, and one or two on exiting

I know of no reason, save stubbornness or stupidity for not trying this simple plan. Of course, there would be less demand for tow trucks and ambulances if it works!!

[graciegirl]

How long have you been here, Outlaw? Six months? Usually the roundabouts pose problems for newbies for awhile, but eventually folks figure it out. I think they are fine the way they are and all you need to remember is to be VERY careful of others in the roundabout at the same time. They may be making an unexpected exit, so stay away from them.


I can only remember reading about a couple of accidents in roundabouts in the past eight years. Because of cars either stopping or slowly entering the speed is generally low and the accidents are not life threatening. So much safer than people blowing stop lights.



Every one reading this report ONLY if you have witnessed a collision in the circles. I have not. Time here eight years.

[outlaw]

Every one reading tis report ONLY if you have witnessed a collision in the circles. I have not. Time here eight years.

Time here one year; witnessed one accident a couple of weeks ago. I like RBs. I love RBs compared to lights. But one lane is the way to go. Been there, done that; it works. BTW, I understand the signs. The problem is, like most of us, new people to the area see the signs as confusing. Just ask a person visiting and hear their response. I have yet to meet a newbie that understood the signs. I'm not concerned with my ability to follow the rules of engagement. I'm concerned about others. I have been cut off twice by people entering from the inside lane and exiting at the first exit. I witnessed a man today enter from the inside lane, then move to the outside lane, exiting the second exit. Now, I ignore the signs. I consider them worthless. People exit from any lane regardless of the signs.

[outlaw]

I lived in New England most of my life. We NEVER had this much trouble with roundabouts or rotaries. In almost all instances traffic is limited to ONE lane going into the rotary. If there are two lanes (think El Camino Real at Savannah center) paint lines that channel all cars to one lane. Then, in the rotary, have one lane painted or none at all. Rotary traffic has the right of way. Cars entering merge into that traffic and exit wherever they wish from one lane going around. Cars exiting should signal to let the person behind them know they are turning off.

After witnessing an accident in a rotary where a vehicle in the inside lane, closest to the center, struck a car on his right while trying to exit, I went and spoke to Pete Wahl, the big guy at one time. I told him of this solution and he said there is so much traffic in TV that it wouldn't work. This was when there were a lot less folks here. At that point I said, you've never been to Boston and left. Right now I am on Cape Cod and the are many of these rotaries in the area. They are all one lane in, one lane around, and one or two on exiting

I know of no reason, save stubbornness or stupidity for not trying this simple plan. Of course, there would be less demand for tow trucks and ambulances if it works!!

I agree. I have also used single lane RBs with two lanes going into the single lane RBs. Traffic moved smoothly, but you won't convince anyone in TV. They think it's too busy here, LOL.

[CFrance]

Every one reading tis report ONLY if you have witnessed a collision in the circles. I have not. Time here eight years.
In the past three years, I have seen my quota and yours too! My guess is that since you don't have to go through a roundabout to get out of your neighborhood, you have seen fewer accidents than the average person.

[njbchbum]

Aaahh, Philip. I also grew up with and still navigate traffic circles here in NJ. And our circles are designed just like the ones in The Villages having two lanes AND the striping of the solid 'do not cross' line and the 'okay to cross line'. The Villages roundabout dilemma is not with folks like us who have navigated them for years - but is with folks who have NOT grown up navigating them or even seeing them. As mentioned they are still in the learning curve period. The bigger problem is with the roundabout user who is simply disregarding the solid vs broken traffic indicator line within the roundabout; as well as simply ignoring the 'rules' of navigating a roundabout!

Perhaps it is 'stubborness or stupidity' of individual drivers that complicates roundabout navigation rather than traffic design. In several instances near my NJ home, traffic circles that were thought to be dangerous were reconstructed to '+' intersections. Traffic became soooo very unberable that circles [3 to 4 traffic signal changes before proceding thru the intersection] were created around them with special turn lanes and delayed turn arrows. End result - more accidents from the folks who run the red turn light or are too slow to get out of the intersection turn lane before the yellow turns to red! The ONLY good thing about those areas - the projects kept a lot of people employed for a looong time! ;)

Now close your eyes and imagine a one lane roundabout just over the LSL bridge and the traffic build-up at any given time, but especially when a favorite entertainer is at that square or a special event is taking place there. Where is the traffic [that was already built-up in the turn lane on 466 that is now stopped again because of 2 lane traffic waiting to merge into 1 lane for exiting to the square or continuing on up the] to go? And with the advent of housing expansion in District 4, the Buena Vista/El Camino roundabout will see an increase in daily traffic as wellas after Savannah Center events in that area too.

"Traffic" in the roundabouts on the Cape is really a seasonal thing. And I do recall when as a child on vacation in the City of Boston, navigating a roundabout in the area of a bridge over the Charles River, had my Mother going round that circle again and again in an attempt to exit to get to that bridge until we were all dizzy! :)

[dbussone]

I lived in New England most of my life. We NEVER had this much trouble with roundabouts or rotaries. In almost all instances traffic is limited to ONE lane going into the rotary. If there are two lanes (think El Camino Real at Savannah center) paint lines that channel all cars to one lane. Then, in the rotary, have one lane painted or none at all. Rotary traffic has the right of way. Cars entering merge into that traffic and exit wherever they wish from one lane going around. Cars exiting should signal to let the person behind them know they are turning off.



After witnessing an accident in a rotary where a vehicle in the inside lane, closest to the center, struck a car on his right while trying to exit, I went and spoke to Pete Wahl, the big guy at one time. I told him of this solution and he said there is so much traffic in TV that it wouldn't work. This was when there were a lot less folks here. At that point I said, you've never been to Boston and left. Right now I am on Cape Cod and the are many of these rotaries in the area. They are all one lane in, one lane around, and one or two on exiting



I know of no reason, save stubbornness or stupidity for not trying this simple plan. Of course, there would be less demand for tow trucks and ambulances if it works!!


I lived in New England as well, but on the North Shore. Most of the rotaries in our part of MA had multiple lanes. I can recall several that were 3-4 lanes all around the center. I drove numerous times to the Cape. IMHO multiple lane rotaries work better, especially when traffic is entering from and exiting to 3-4 directions.

[dbussone]

Aaahh, Philip. I also grew up with and still navigate traffic circles here in NJ. And our circles are designed just like the ones in The Villages having two lanes AND the striping of the solid 'do not cross' line and the 'okay to cross line'. The Villages roundabout dilemma is not with folks like us who have navigated them for years - but is with folks who have NOT grown up navigating them or even seeing them. As mentioned they are still in the learning curve period. The bigger problem is with the roundabout user who is simply disregarding the solid vs broken traffic indicator line within the roundabout; as well as simply ignoring the 'rules' of navigating a roundabout!

Perhaps it is 'stubborness or stupidity' of individual drivers that complicates roundabout navigation rather than traffic design. In several instances near my NJ home, traffic circles that were thought to be dangerous were reconstructed to '+' intersections. Traffic became soooo very unberable that circles [3 to 4 traffic signal changes before proceding thru the intersection] were created around them with special turn lanes and delayed turn arrows. End result - more accidents from the folks who run the red turn light or are too slow to get out of the intersection turn lane before the yellow turns to red! The ONLY good thing about those areas - the projects kept a lot of people employed for a looong time! ;)

Now close your eyes and imagine a one lane roundabout just over the LSL bridge and the traffic build-up at any given time, but especially when a favorite entertainer is at that square or a special event is taking place there. Where is the traffic [that was already built-up in the turn lane on 466 that is now stopped again because of 2 lane traffic waiting to merge into 1 lane for exiting to the square or continuing on up the] to go? And with the advent of housing expansion in District 4, the Buena Vista/El Camino roundabout will see an increase in daily traffic as wellas after Savannah Center events in that area too.

"Traffic" in the roundabouts on the Cape is really a seasonal thing. And I do recall when as a child on vacation in the City of Boston, navigating a roundabout in the area of a bridge over the Charles River, had my Mother going round that circle again and again in an attempt to exit to get to that bridge until we were all dizzy! :)


The points you've made are quite valid. And the Cape is very seasonal.

[Mikeod]

Have I seen accidents at the roundabout near my village? Sure. But every single one of them was due to people not operating as they are designed. It's really not so hard. Get into the proper lane for your desired exit, yield to all traffic in either lane already in the roundabout and exit where you should. And those accidents I've seen were minor and certainly much less severe than those that have occurred at 466 & Morse, 466 and Buena Vista, 466A and Morse, or 466A and Buena Vista.

I am always amazed at the RAB at Morse and Stillwater. I would estimate more than 50% of the eastbound traffic on Stillwater that intends to go north on Morse goes around in the outside lane. WRONG!!!! It's not a design error, it's a people error. Either they cannot read signs, or they don't care. My only complaint is that the signs should be placed somewhat farther back from the RAB to give more time to switch lanes if necessary.

The RABs are never going to be changed to a single lane. Two lanes were mandated by the counties involved to accommodate the traffic flow as the community grew.

[outlaw]

Have I seen accidents at the roundabout near my village? Sure. But every single one of them was due to people not operating as they are designed. It's really not so hard. Get into the proper lane for your desired exit, yield to all traffic in either lane already in the roundabout and exit where you should. And those accidents I've seen were minor and certainly much less severe than those that have occurred at 466 & Morse, 466 and Buena Vista, 466A and Morse, or 466A and Buena Vista.

I am always amazed at the RAB at Morse and Stillwater. I would estimate more than 50% of the eastbound traffic on Stillwater that intends to go north on Morse goes around in the outside lane. WRONG!!!! It's not a design error, it's a people error. Either they cannot read signs, or they don't care. My only complaint is that the signs should be placed somewhat farther back from the RAB to give more time to switch lanes if necessary.

The RABs are never going to be changed to a single lane. Two lanes were mandated by the counties involved to accommodate the traffic flow as the community grew.

I really don't see what it matters from which lane you exit. Depending on where you enter the RB, you can exit from either lane. So why have the rules? One just needs to be prepared to yield to anyone everywhere.

[Barefoot]

Every one reading tis report ONLY if you have witnessed a collision in the circles. I have not. Time here eight years.

I haven't witnessed any accidents but I've had a few friends that have been involved in accidents.
Mostly T-bones when someone exits from the inside lane.
Also Fireboy saw a woman driver going the WRONG way in a roundabout! She was very annoyed and shook her fist at him!

[Mikeod]

I really don't see what it matters from which lane you exit. Depending on where you enter the RB, you can exit from either lane. So why have the rules? One just needs to be prepared to yield to anyone everywhere.
The only vehicle you should need to be concerned about is one that enters the roundabout alongside you. If you entered after yielding to all traffic already in the roundabout to your left, and people also yielded to you before entering the RAB, (which are the rules), the car that entered along with you should exit on the first exit (right turn) or the second exit (straight ahead) if they entered in the right lane. That means you were in the left lane and have two options, straight ahead or third exit (left turn). In either case, there would be no conflict since you both followed the rules.

Since there is a group that doesn't care or understand how roundabouts work, or think they know how from prior locations and don't bother to learn how these work, I completely agree with your statement that you have to be prepared to yield to those people.