The REAL problem with our roundabouts...

[ColdNoMore]

...and a big contributor to the confusion by some people (I know, I know...no one will actually admit to it :D) is the lack of consistency in signage AND striping. :oops:


Note the following photos (numbered from left to right).

1. 2 lanes entering from all 4 sides, 2 lanes all the way around the roundabout...but sign only shows one lane.

2. Same as sign in #1, but it actually narrows to 1 lane within the roundabout...but only for part of it.

3 & 4. Showing roundabout in photo #2.

5. Sign accurately showing two lanes around entire roundabout.

[tomwed]

Great Job CNM
I think there are 2 threads going on this subject. Fast forward to 4:30. The creator does a pretty good job too.
v=uTA5kXeHV0E

[rustyp]

...and a big contributor to the confusion by some people (I know, I know...no one will actually admit to it :D) is the lack of consistency in signage AND striping. :oops:


Note the following photos (numbered from left to right).

1. 2 lanes entering from all 4 sides, 2 lanes all the way around the roundabout...but sign only shows one lane.

2. Same as sign in #1, but it actually narrows to 1 lane within the roundabout...but only for part of it.

3 & 4. Showing roundabout in photo #2.

5. Sign accurately showing two lanes around entire roundabout.

Totally agree.
Also the overall strategy assumes everyone knows exactly where they are going heading into the circle. Not around here. Ever pay attention to how many people you see in golf carts pulled over looking at the map. I don't believe that would be isolated to only golf carts. I believe a reasonable solution would be to make them all one lane (wait before you jump) with the highest traveled street of each circle having auxiliary bypass lanes.

[ColdNoMore]

....and there's more! :D

Photos numbered L to R.

1. Another 2 lane sign.

2. Solid white line between outside and inside lane in roundabout in photo 1, meaning you shouldn't cross it...to continue around the roundabout.

3. Other side of roundabout in photo 1 & 2, that doesn't have solid white line and allows outside line to cut across inside line...even if the person is taking the exit.

4. Rainey Trail roundabout, with solid white line northbound and then narrows to one lane...on north side of roundabout.

5. The west exit to Rainy Trail, with solid white line indicating you have to be in right lane to exit.


To summarize, The Villages little schematic on what should be done in roundabouts doesn't match what they've actually done with the striping and signage. :oops:


As I've said many times however, I think narrowing ALL roundabouts to one lane in the locations shown in some of the photos...would go a long way to making things simpler. :shrug:

[ColdNoMore]

Great Job CNM
I think there are 2 threads going on this subject. Fast forward to 4:30. The creator does a pretty good job too.
v=uTA5kXeHV0E

DANG!


You mean I wasted a couple of hours taking photos and editing them...and someone has already YouTubed it? :oops:


Thanks for the heads up on the video though, because listening to someone talk about it, instead of me just posting photos and referencing them...is probably easier for some folks to understand. :thumbup:

[tomwed]

DANG!


You mean I wasted a couple of hours taking photos and editing them...and someone has already YouTubed it? :oops:


Thanks for the heads up on the video though, because listening to someone talk about it, instead of me just posting photos and referencing them...is probably easier for some folks to understand. :thumbup:We all appreciate you doing the work. I posted what I youtubed in the other thread while you were working and you missed it.

I do look at the signs every-time and I missed it. The fact that the sign shows 1 lane and there are 2 is hard to believe it's been overlooked.

[Carla B]

And, another weakness of the signs is that they are placed too close to the roundabouts. There isn't time to change lanes in traffic after reading a sign. The safest thing to do is to know where you are going before you start driving.

[justjim]

Nice job with photos and narrative. Maybe you should send to Sumter County Public Works.

[xkeowner]

Signage is definitely a problem but the second issue is the painted lane markings are also inconsistent. Why do some have the center lane striped to move all traffic the the outside lane (i.e. by Palmer CC)? There are numerous other examples.

I lived for six years in Europe, four years in the far East and went through a round-a-bout at least twice every workday for 20+ years in Virginia. They don't have a clue here about how properly marked round-a-bouts and properly educated drivers could make them very efficient for traffic flow.

[tomwed]

And, another weakness of the signs is that they are placed too close to the roundabouts. There isn't time to change lanes in traffic after reading a sign. The safest thing to do is to know where you are going before you start driving.According to the video there is 1 accident a week. It wouldn't hurt to have 2 sets of signs or just correct them and move them up. If I'm in the inside lane and someone is in the outside lane I go around again.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Nice job with photos and narrative. Maybe you should send to Sumter County Public Works.


They would likely say that the first two signs are in Marion County.

[Polar Bear]

...properly marked round-a-bouts and properly educated drivers could make them very efficient for traffic flow.
I agree with the need for good markings, signage and driver education. But the roundabouts here are already pretty efficient...much more so than the alternatives.

[hampton]

I believe the only way to cure the problem is to merge to one lane before entering the round about

[graciegirl]

I believe the only way to cure the problem is to merge to one lane before entering the round about

AND that would make traffic back up everywhere.

It isn't that hard.

[JoMar]

Sorry, the real issue is people don't take the time to learn how to navigate.....the roadways are clearly marked for what lane goes in what direction.....and the dotted lines tell you where to change lanes. The signs are great if you are looking for a road name but should not be used on how to drive. We still have people making left turns from the right lanes and no signage will fix that. JMO

[ColdNoMore]

Sorry, the real issue is people don't take the time to learn how to navigate.....the roadways are clearly marked for what lane goes in what direction.....and the dotted lines tell you where to change lanes. The signs are great if you are looking for a road name but should not be used on how to drive. We still have people making left turns from the right lanes and no signage will fix that. JMO

Go look at the photos of the signs again.

There are situations where you CAN make a left turn...from a right lane.

And a right turn...from the left lane.

[manaboutown]

Personally, I love the roundabouts in The Villages. They keep the traffic flowing well when negotiated properly.

I learned to drive roundabouts commuting in Virginia and on vacations in France so driving roundabouts is not new to me.

The problem is not the roundabouts. It is the drivers who are unaccustomed to them.

Does the admonishment "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." ring a bell?

[Bogie Shooter]

Here are 3 threads with 197 posts. I doubt you can post anything on this thread that has not been said many, many times before.
Roundabout threads are just as boring as dog poop threads.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/how-navigate-roundabouts-155158/?highlight=roundabouts
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/turn-signals-round-bouts-229564/?highlight=roundabouts
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/roundabout-claims-another-242899/?highlight=roundabouts



[perrjojo]

We also complain about the gates being knocked down. Sometimes they are up with out coming down between vehicles...sometimes not. Sometimes,they pop up quickly, sometimes not. The timing on the gates is erratic and undependable. There is certainly a lack of consistency throuhout the round abouts and gates. I have never hit a gate but have often had to wonder if it was up for all or going to come down between vehicles. The gate exiting Morse at 466 is one of the worst.

[NotGolfer]

I, for one, like the roundabouts...someone said no matter what "they" did there would always be those who would hate them and still do stupid things navigating them. Up north, where we came from,, they have the one-lane roundabouts and I used to hear the same complaints.

[Polar Bear]

Go look at the photos of the signs again.

There are situations where you CAN make a left turn...from a right lane.

And a right turn...from the left lane.
Don’t buy it, CNM. Not in a TV roundabout. Let’s see the picture(s). :)

[Polar Bear]

I believe the only way to cure the problem is to merge to one lane before entering the round about
And reduce the capacity of the roundabouts and all connecting roads enormously...a total disaster.

[ColdNoMore]

Don’t buy it, CNM. Not in a TV roundabout. Let’s see the picture(s). :)

I would, but it's dark outside now...and my camera flash isn't that strong. :D

[ColdNoMore]

We all appreciate you doing the work. I posted what I youtubed in the other thread while you were working and you missed it.
Thanks again for the YouTube link, but your assertion that "all" appreciate my work/pic's...might not be quite accurate. :D


I do look at the signs every-time and I missed it. The fact that the sign shows 1 lane and there are 2 is hard to believe it's been overlooked.
I had noticed them quite a while back and then the other thread (and a wonderful weather day)...made me decide to go on a little cart ride and take photos.

I'm thinking the 'screw-up' in the signs is due to being in a separate county (Marion VS Sumter)... and no one is willing to pay to correct them.

But who knows, maybe the 'Designated Developer Lurker' (:1rotfl:) will see the thread(s)...and decide to change the signs? :shrug:

[JoMar]

Go look at the photos of the signs again.

There are situations where you CAN make a left turn...from a right lane.

And a right turn...from the left lane.

When a bypass is around a roundabout and there is no through traffic you can make a left turn from both lanes, but, as I mentioned, if you look at the markings on the roadway, the inside lane is straight or left, the outside lane is right and straight in the majority. I would like to see your photo's of a roadway marking that allows a right turn from the left lane. When those accidents happen, the police ticket based on the roadway markings which is what we should be looking at....the road. Treat a roundabout like a four way intersection and you should be safer...IMO

[ColdNoMore]

When a bypass is around a roundabout and there is no through traffic you can make a left turn from both lanes, but, as I mentioned, if you look at the markings on the roadway, the inside lane is straight or left, the outside lane is right and straight in the majority. I would like to see your photo's of a roadway marking that allows a right turn from the left lane. When those accidents happen, the police ticket based on the roadway markings which is what we should be looking at....the road. Treat a roundabout like a four way intersection and you should be safer...IMO

I asked you to go back and look at my photos...but I'll make it even easier.

A right turn...from the left lane. :oops:

You're welcome. :ho:



(PB...help!) :D

[Bogie Shooter]

Like I said just repeating old posts........................

[Matzy]

I personally do not look very close to the signs because I know a roundabout is coming up so I stay right when I want to leave next exit and stay left going around, always using the blinker when get out to the right or stay at left going around. People behind me should know what I want to do and also paying attention for cars beside me. I survived roundabout like Trafalgar Square and Arc de Triomphe with 6/7 lanes and 7 exits several times. There are no signs at all, only exit signs. If somebody has an accident at Arc de Triomphe roundabout, NO insurance will cover it, it is on your own risk.
At that way I learned it -the hard way- using roundabouts.

[j_vermilya]

I don't understand why folks insist on changing lanes in the roundabout, or by being in one lane and shifting to the other while they are exiting...stay in your lane all the way through the roundabout please...

[tomwed]

I don't understand why folks insist on changing lanes in the roundabout, or by being in one lane and shifting to the other while they are exiting...stay in your lane all the way through the roundabout please...great first post----staying in your lane is always good advice

[ColdNoMore]

great first post----staying in your lane is always good advice

I see what you did there. :D

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I asked you to go back and look at my photos...but I'll make it even easier.

A right turn...from the left lane. :oops:

You're welcome. :ho:



(PB...help!) :D

If you think those are right turns, then we have indeed identified the real problem.

[ColdNoMore]

If you think those are right turns, then we have indeed identified the real problem.So what are they? :1rotfl:

I'll agree with one thing you've said, though certainly not the same conclusion...we have definitely identified the real problem. :ho:

[Rapscallion St Croix]

So what are they? :1rotfl:

I'll agree with one thing you've said, though certainly not the same conclusion...we have definitely identified the real problem. :ho:

One is classified as going straight and the other is classified as a left turn. The only right turn possible is onto Glenview Rd.

[ColdNoMore]

One is classified as going straight and the other is classified as a left turn. The only right turn possible is onto Glenview Rd.

LOL :D


Turn your steering wheel to the left, or even leave it straight...and tell us how that works out for you. :ho:

[thetruth]

...and a big contributor to the confusion by some people (I know, I know...no one will actually admit to it :D) is the lack of consistency in signage AND striping. :oops:


Note the following photos (numbered from left to right).

1. 2 lanes entering from all 4 sides, 2 lanes all the way around the roundabout...but sign only shows one lane.

2. Same as sign in #1, but it actually narrows to 1 lane within the roundabout...but only for part of it.

3 & 4. Showing roundabout in photo #2.

5. Sign accurately showing two lanes around entire roundabout.

If, you read any of them you must come to the same conclusion I have.

The chance of people KNOWING the proper,"SAFE" procedure is at best highly unlikely.

In that SMALL GROUP who know, the ones that will follow the law are unfortunately NOTHING YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON.

[ColdNoMore]

If, you read any of them you must come to the same conclusion I have.

The chance of people KNOWING the proper,"SAFE" procedure is at best highly unlikely.

In that SMALL GROUP who know, the ones that will follow the law are unfortunately NOTHING YOU CAN BET YOUR LIFE ON.

The best sign I've seen is the one that states '20 MPH' and the best advice is... "be paranoid of everyone while in the circle of death and don't let anyone next to you." :D

[Mortal1]

No the real problem with round-a-bouts is that there a lot more dummies than most realize.

[Allegiance]

It's too easy to get and keep a license. Crazy easy.

[Polar Bear]

If you think those are right turns, then we have indeed identified the real problem.
Bingo.

[photo1902]

Bingo.

Double Bingo. It's not even close to a "right turn"!

[CWGUY]

No the real problem with round-a-bouts is that there a lot more dummies than most realize.

:thumbup: New guy figured it out! :BigApplause:

[Topspinmo]

One is classified as going straight and the other is classified as a left turn. The only right turn possible is onto Glenview Rd.

But, if I have turn my steering wheel to right wouldn't the be right turn? In circles you are turning left, to leave a circle you have turn you steering wheel to exit circle and would that mean using blinker light when You decide to turn out of the circle????

Even if I'm going straigHt through I am still exiting the circle.

[ColdNoMore]

Bingo.

Seriously PB...you too? :oops:

In fact, I thought you had just said the opposite (that you CAN make a right turn from the left lane)...in another thread? :confused:

I think I also recall you mentioning that for safety sakes, you use your turn signal when leaving a roundabout...as do I.

So if you enter the RA in the left lane, with an intent to leave (still from the left lane, because you can't change lanes in the circle) at the second or third exit...which way do you put your blinker on?

Yeah, just what I thought, the blinker is set...to make a right turn. :D


Now, for a change of pace, how about everyone check out what the signs say when leaving a village...with a single lane exit.

The sign exiting the village only shows one line (like the ones on the north end of Buena Vista)...so which lane do you enter in the roundabout (remembering that you're not supposed to change lanes in the circle)?

So if you wanted to go into the roundabout and take the second or third exit, per the sign (since it only shows one lane) which roundabout lane should you enter...from the single lane village exit? :D

I say the rules require that you enter the left lane of the roundabout, then when you get to your exit (2nd or 3rd) you turn your right blinker on...AND YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN ACROSS THE RIGHT ROUNDABOUT LANE. :1rotfl:

Like I originally said, there is no consistency...in signage or striping. :ohdear:

[Buffalo Jim]

So after all of this what's the solution ?

[Chi-Town]

Seriously PB...you too? :oops:

In fact, I thought you had just said the opposite (that you CAN make a right turn from the left lane)...in another thread? :confused:

I think I also recall you mentioning that for safety sakes, you use your turn signal when leaving a roundabout...as do I.

So if you enter the RA in the left lane, with an intent to leave (still from the left lane, because you can't change lanes in the circle) at the second or third exit...which way do you put your blinker on?

Yeah, just what I thought, the blinker is set...to make a right turn. :D


Now, for a change of pace, how about everyone check out what the signs say when leaving a village...with a single lane exit.

The sign exiting the village only shows one line (like the ones on the north end of Buena Vista)...so which lane do you enter in the roundabout (remembering that you're not supposed to change lanes in the circle)?

So if you wanted to go into the roundabout and take the second or third exit, per the sign (since it only shows one lane) which roundabout lane should you enter...from the single lane village exit? :D

I say the rules require that you enter the left lane of the roundabout, then when you get to your exit (2nd or 3rd) you turn your right blinker on...AND YOU MAKE A RIGHT TURN ACROSS THE RIGHT ROUNDABOUT LANE. :1rotfl:

Like I originally said, there is no consistency...in signage or striping. :ohdear:I also turn my right turn signal on to let the drivers that are waiting for me to clear the intersection know that I'm crossing the right lane to exit. Some drivers assume that I will continue in the left lane and illegally jump the gun.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Polar Bear]

Seriously PB...you too? :oops:

In fact, I thought you had just said the opposite (that you CAN make a right turn from the left lane)...in another thread?...
What I said was...

"After entering the roundabout, taking the first exit from the left lane is not proper. Taking the second or third exit from the left lane is perfectly fine."

Big difference.

I and many others in this and other threads try to describe the turns made at a roundabout like it's an intersection to simplify and make consistent the discussion...exiting at the first exit after entering the roundabout is a right turn, exiting at the second exit is going straight, exiting at the third exit is a left turn.

Your insistence on your definition of what constitutes a "right turn" at a roundabout does nothing but confuse the issue and is a disservice to those novices honestly trying to learn the correct procedures.

Of course you have to steer to the right to exit the roundabout. Do you really think people are trying to say otherwise?

[Barefoot]

Here are 3 threads with 197 posts. I doubt you can post anything on this thread that has not been said many, many times before.


And incredibly, after 197 posts, people still aren't in agreement about the proper way to drive a roundabout.

[Polar Bear]

And incredibly, after 197 posts, people still aren't in agreement about the proper way to drive a roundabout.
Agreed. I’ll clam up. It just gets very frustrating to read this stuff sometimes. :)

[ColdNoMore]

I also turn my right turn signal on to let the drivers that are waiting for me to clear the intersection know that I'm crossing the right lane to exit. Some drivers assume that I will continue in the left lane and illegally jump the gun.

Yep...same here.


In addition to avoiding ever having anyone next to me while in the RA, so that when they're in the right lane of the roundabout and I'm in the inside (left) lane and I am exiting and 'will be legally turning right from the left lane, across the right lane'...they don't hit me. :D

[ColdNoMore]

So after all of this what's the solution ?

1. Slow to at least 20MPH when in the roundabout.

2. Don't let anyone be right alongside you.

3. Use your turn signals for ALL moves.


:ho:

[Bogie Shooter]

And incredibly, after 197 posts, people still aren't in agreement about the proper way to drive a roundabout.

Or sex, politics, where to eat out, handyman, landscaper, how to cook talipia, where to shop, where a dog should poop and on and on...........................barf

[graciegirl]

1. Slow to at least 20MPH when in the roundabout.

2. Don't let anyone be right alongside you.

3. Use your turn signals for ALL moves.


:ho:


Good advice.

[manaboutown]

Perhaps an entrepreneurial individual could start a roundabout driving school for newbies.

This might especially help those who previously resided most or all of their adult lives in cities in which they used public transportation such as buses and subways much more than they drove vehicles.

[CWGUY]

1. Slow to at least 20MPH when in the roundabout.

2. Don't let anyone be right alongside you.

3. Use your turn signals for ALL moves.


:ho:

:confused: Is it ok if we do what Sumter Co. recommends? They put out a nice brochure on navigating roundabouts. What I gathered from reading it is the 3 most important things were - don't pass in the roundabout, don't stop in the roundabout, and don't change lanes in the roundabout. I would think if everyone read the brochure and did these things..... no or less accidents. :oops: But then I don't pretend to be the expert on everything. :girlneener: I also think I have more time in the roundabouts than some people have in the Villages. :icon_bored:

[ColdNoMore]

Is it ok if we do what Sumter Co. recommends? They put out a nice brochure on navigating roundabouts. What I gathered from reading it is the 3 most important things were - don't pass in the roundabout, don't stop in the roundabout, and don't change lanes in the roundabout. I would think if everyone read the brochure and did these things..... no or less accidents.
Yep, you are free to do anything you want.

I was asked for my opinion...and gave it. :D




But then I don't pretend to be the expert on everything. Okidokie then.... :oops:I also think I have more time in the roundabouts than some people have in the Villages.


Have a great day. :ho:

[trichard]

...and a big contributor to the confusion by some people (I know, I know...no one will actually admit to it :D) is the lack of consistency in signage AND striping. :oops:


Note the following photos (numbered from left to right).

1. 2 lanes entering from all 4 sides, 2 lanes all the way around the roundabout...but sign only shows one lane.

2. Same as sign in #1, but it actually narrows to 1 lane within the roundabout...but only for part of it.

3 & 4. Showing roundabout in photo #2.

5. Sign accurately showing two lanes around entire roundabout.

Wow. How the heck do you survive driving outside of The Villages?

[ScottRAB]

...and a big contributor to the confusion by some people (I know, I know...no one will actually admit to it :D) is the lack of consistency in signage AND striping. :oops:


Note the following photos (numbered from left to right).

1. 2 lanes entering from all 4 sides, 2 lanes all the way around the roundabout...but sign only shows one lane.

2. Same as sign in #1, but it actually narrows to 1 lane within the roundabout...but only for part of it.

3 & 4. Showing roundabout in photo #2.

5. Sign accurately showing two lanes around entire roundabout.

Guide signs are not meant to provide number of lane detail, just direction. Your last photo does not show two lanes going around the circular island, it shows two lanes going to the right of the island and only one lane going left. The photo showing the single lane moving from the inside to the outside is called spiral marking. Since only the left lane can go left around the circle, they chose to move it to the outside lane to clarify that traffic entering needs to yield as that lane comes around. this is done when the cross street only has one lane around the circle.

The black and white lane use signs (if any) are the regulatory signs that describe which lane can go which way.