Roundabouts vs Stop Signs

[rhood]

Check this video out:

MythBusters test a four-way stop vs. a roundabout. [VIDEO] (http://www.wimp.com/testroundabout/)

Mythbusters Adam & Jamie test the efficiency of roundabouts vs stop signs.
This video is about 10 minutes long. Although, the roundabouts were not two lanes like here, the result were pretty clear.

[Parker]

Well, efficient, yes. However, safety might be another test worth making. Especially here in The Villages, where we have lots of elderly people in various states of ability and/or impairment. Not sure there would be a clear winner either way.

[mulligan]

If a driver is not capable of properly negotiating a roundabout, he/she should not be driving at all.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I lived in the Phillipines for almost a year and there are almost no stop signs at all. Somehow everyone works it all out. I saw no accidents at intersections.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

This little test doesn't take into consideration that a lot of people don't know the rules of the four way stop nor the round-a-bout. I don't know how many times I've stopped at a stop sign here at the same time as another car to my right and the other driver just sits there and looks at me. They clearly have the right of way, but don't seem to understand that. Then when I finally decide to proceed because it's obvious that they're not going to, they begin to move. I stop again and they stop again. After a few more of these, one of us goes and the one who should have went first curses me out.

Yes, and many people don't know the rules at our round-a-bouts. I have had many people continue past the second exit in the right hand lane and I've even seen a few go all the way back around in the outside lane. You just have to be careful and expect the unexpected.

The round-a-bout in this test doesn't have two lanes and all the drivers in both tests seem to know the rules.

Funny thing is, that even though this test show them to be more efficient, there's a move in Massachusetts to get rid of their "rotaries" or "circles" as most people call them

[Madelaine Amee]

This little test doesn't take into consideration that a lot of people don't know the rules of the four way stop nor the round-a-bout. I don't know how many times I've stopped at a stop sign here at the same time as another car to my right and the other driver just sits there and looks at me. They clearly have the right of way, but don't seem to understand that. Then when I finally decide to proceed because it's obvious that they're not going to, they begin to move. I stop again and they stop again. After a few more of these, one of us goes and the one who should have went first curses me out.

Yes, and many people don't know the rules at our round-a-bouts. I have had many people continue past the second exit in the right hand lane and I've even seen a few go all the way back around in the outside lane. You just have to be careful and expect the unexpected.

The round-a-bout in this test doesn't have two lanes and all the drivers in both tests seem to know the rules.

Agree completely with your post, especially the first paragraph. I have to leave my village by a stop sign and need to take a left. Cannot tell you how many times I have waited for the person facing me to come straight across into the village because he has the right of way, but they dither about and it turns into a p......g match. Now, on the other hand, I see many people take that left right in front of an oncoming car coming straight across. PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD, or which car has the right of way. But as my other half always says "do you want to be right, or DEAD right"?

[cquick]

I love the roundabouts! Stop signs at every intersection would be a real drag!

[LuckySevens]

Check this video out:

MythBusters test a four-way stop vs. a roundabout. [VIDEO] (http://www.wimp.com/testroundabout/)

Mythbusters Adam & Jamie test the efficiency of roundabouts vs stop signs.
This video is about 10 minutes long. Although, the roundabouts were not two lanes like here, the result were pretty clear.

I have always thought that one lane roundabouts here in TV would work best....less confusion, less accidents.....but would be somewhat slower.

[aln]

Just an observation, but from mid April to mid October there are almost NO posts about the roundabouts.......hmmm!

[MikeV]

I have almost been hit so many times by a driver in the right lane. They just go around with no regard for the car in the inside lane that I have totally stopped using the inside lane unless I am going past the first exit. I find this is the safest way to negotiate the roundabout if I am going straight. I know this is not part of the discussion but I am frustrated by drivers who insist on stopping at the yield sign even when it is so obvious that no car is coming around the roundabout.

[billethkid]

I think one of the biggest contributors to problems in and around the roundabouts, stop signs, yield signs and yes the yellow and red stop lights.......

ATTITUDE!!!!!

btk

[perrjojo]

I know it is not feasible but wouldn't it be nice that before you got a TV ID you would have to attend a golf cart safety class and a round about safety class?

[donb9006]

I have almost been hit so many times by a driver in the right lane. They just go around with no regard for the car in the inside lane that I have totally stopped using the inside lane unless I am going past the first exit. I find this is the safest way to negotiate the roundabout if I am going straight. I know this is not part of the discussion but I am frustrated by drivers who insist on stopping at the yield sign even when it is so obvious that no car is coming around the roundabout.

You're not supposed to use the inside lane and then make the first right...the inside lane is supposed to go PAST the first turn irregardless of the way the lanes are painted. Look at the signage...it always shows the left lane going to the inside lane and skipping the first right turn. If you both enter the circle at the same time, the right lane is not expecting you to turn into the first right.

[sueandskip]

If a driver is not capable of properly negotiating a roundabout, he/she should not be driving at all.

Who enforces this ? Family ? They probably live up north...

[LABSX2]

When we first came to TV, I was sure that I would never be able to drive through TV because of the round abouts. They scared me to death. I was sure that the only way I could go any where would be to drive around the outside of The Villages. But after I finally got up the courage to tackle one I quickly learned that they were not really that difficult at all. The secret is PAY ATTENTION!:thumbup:

[rdhdleo]

I have almost been hit so many times by a driver in the right lane. They just go around with no regard for the car in the inside lane that I have totally stopped using the inside lane unless I am going past the first exit. I find this is the safest way to negotiate the roundabout if I am going straight. I know this is not part of the discussion but I am frustrated by drivers who insist on stopping at the yield sign even when it is so obvious that no car is coming around the roundabout.


:agree: :BigApplause:

[Carl in Tampa]

There is a free brochure available about how to properly negotiate the roundabouts. I found one at the Savannah Center. I don't know if it is available in the various recreation centers. It should be.

If they are available they should be more prominently displayed at the recreation centers.

They should have them in the Sales Offices and give them to all visitors.

I like the roundabouts because, when properly used, they save time and they save gasoline that would be wasted in stop and go driving through stop signs.

I try to always follow the guidelines, but I never assume that others in the roundabout know them so I always signal when changing lanes and always drive defensively.

:duck:

[Bogie Shooter]

There is a free brochure available about how to properly negotiate the roundabouts. I found one at the Savannah Center. I don't know if it is available in the various recreation centers. It should be.

If they are available they should be more prominently displayed at the recreation centers.

They should have them in the Sales Offices and give them to all visitors.

I like the roundabouts because, when properly used, they save time and they save gasoline that would be wasted in stop and go driving through stop signs.

I try to always follow the guidelines, but I never assume that others in the roundabout know them so I always signal when changing lanes and always drive defensively.

:duck:

Its even on line.........................
http://sumtercountyfl.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3939

[JB in TV]

Its even on line.........................
http://sumtercountyfl.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3939

Thank you for sharing that link! :clap2:

[billethkid]

I know it is not feasible but wouldn't it be nice that before you got a TV ID you would have to attend a golf cart safety class and a round about safety class?

Absolutely makes sense.
I suggest adding to the things to learn before moving in:

FIX THE DIVOTS/DIMPLES/PLUGS ON THE GREEN!!!!!!!

PLAY READY GOLF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

btk

[Ooper]

Who enforces this ? Family ? They probably live up north...

The county sheriff's department enforces. If you get into an accident and you are found at fault, you will get a ticket.

[kathyzapp]

Too many drivers in the roundabouts think they can make a left turn from the right lane.

[l2ridehd]

A round-about is no different then a traffic light with 4 lanes each direction. If you are turning right always be in the right lane, same as a traffic light. If you are turning left, always be in the left lane, same as a traffic light. And if you are going straight through use either lane, same as a traffic light. And always give the right of way to the person in the circle, same as an intersection with a traffic light.

The only difference is a round-about is much more efficient at moving traffic then a traffic light.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think RussBoston posted on another thread sometime ago somthing worth noting.
Read those pretty little signs that are just before you get to a roundabout!

[mokey]

If you are in the inner lane and exit at the 3rd exit and hit a car who just came in at the 2nd exit in the outside lane, who is at fault. Insurance adjusters away from the Village do not understand roundabouts, I don't think.

[Bogie Shooter]

If you are in the inner lane and exit at the 3rd exit and hit a car who just came in at the 2nd exit in the outside lane, who is at fault. Insurance adjusters away from the Village do not understand roundabouts, I don't think.

The car that came in.......................they did not yield to cars already in the roundabout. Note: there is a yield sign at the entrance to all roundabouts.

[cquick]

Just an observation, but from mid April to mid October there are almost NO posts about the roundabouts.......hmmm!

oh, that's funny! I guess you have to live here all year 'round to love the roundabouts!

[cquick]

A round-about is no different then a traffic light with 4 lanes each direction. If you are turning right always be in the right lane, same as a traffic light. If you are turning left, always be in the left lane, same as a traffic light. And if you are going straight through use either lane, same as a traffic light. And always give the right of way to the person in the circle, same as an intersection with a traffic light.

The only difference is a round-about is much more efficient at moving traffic then a traffic light.

thank you thank you thank you!
I have been preaching that concept to all my new friends for a couple years.

[Russ_Boston]

The car that came in.......................they did not yield to cars already in the roundabout. Note: there is a yield sign at the entrance to all roundabouts.

The fact that the question was asked shows that people don't understand the first rule: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. But as mentioned just follow the nice signs!

[Bexter]

The fact that the question was asked shows that people don't understand the first rule: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. But as mentioned just follow the nice signs!

I agree!

[looneycat]

Check this video out:

MythBusters test a four-way stop vs. a roundabout. [VIDEO] (http://www.wimp.com/testroundabout/)

Mythbusters Adam & Jamie test the efficiency of roundabouts vs stop signs.
This video is about 10 minutes long. Although, the roundabouts were not two lanes like here, the result were pretty clear.

unfortunately since there ARE 2 lanes in the roundabouts here the test is not valid. That's basic to testing a scenario, apples to apples not oranges, this test does not meet scientific method basic criteria if you try to apply those results here. sorry. our numbers would probably be significantly higher for throughput

[MikeV]

You're not supposed to use the inside lane and then make the first right...the inside lane is supposed to go PAST the first turn irregardless of the way the lanes are painted. Look at the signage...it always shows the left lane going to the inside lane and skipping the first right turn. If you both enter the circle at the same time, the right lane is not expecting you to turn into the first right.

I know this I just did not convey what I was trying to get across very well.

[looneycat]

Just an observation, but from mid April to mid October there are almost NO posts about the roundabouts.......hmmm!

true, but you can complain all through the summer about people who don't use turn signals and endanger people in cars, in carts, walking and biking.:mad:

[Bogie Shooter]

unfortunately since there ARE 2 lanes in the roundabouts here the test is not valid. That's basic to testing a scenario, apples to apples not oranges, this test does not meet scientific method basic criteria if you try to apply those results here. sorry.

TOTV posters hardly ever apply any science to their posts!:evil6:

[maru8]

I have read every explanation of the roundabouts and have the best conclusion - Do want you want and let the insurance companies argue it out! Every "rule" is different. They are the worst thing I ever saw as traveling is concerned. I totally agree that they should be only one lane since you do not know where the innner lane will turn and into what lane on the road to turn at. They just pick a lane, either right or left and dive for it!

[Ooper]

Every "rule" is different. They are the worst thing I ever saw as traveling is concerned. I totally agree that they should be only one lane since you do not know where the innner lane will turn and into what lane on the road to turn at. They just pick a lane, either right or left and dive for it!

There is really only one set of rule and if everybody followed it, there would be no problem. Not knowing the rules for anything is part of the problem. Ignorance is no excuse. Besides, if they were only one lane, large tractor trailers or moving vans would not be able to negotiate them as they require wider roads when rounding corners.

[Russ_Boston]

I have read every explanation of the roundabouts and have the best conclusion - Do want you want and let the insurance companies argue it out! Every "rule" is different. They are the worst thing I ever saw as traveling is concerned. I totally agree that they should be only one lane since you do not know where the innner lane will turn and into what lane on the road to turn at. They just pick a lane, either right or left and dive for it!

Where did you see that there is more than one set of rules? That's just not correct at all. The pictures at every roundabout give you all the options in one simple glance. It's simple and anyone who says it isn't...well...

I take it that you, Maru8, do not live here?

[Bogie Shooter]

One of his 15 posts was positive.............................

[golf2140]

Just an observation, but from mid April to mid October there are almost NO posts about the roundabouts.......hmmm!

Amen

PS: Also the gates are not knocked down

[pqrstar]

The car that came in.......................they did not yield to cars already in the roundabout. Note: there is a yield sign at the entrance to all roundabouts.

Yes, there is a yield sign, but some people think if the outside lane is open, they have room to enter.

The yield sign should say, YIELD TO ALL LANES

[Bogie Shooter]

Yes, there is a yield sign, but some people think if the outside lane is open, they have room to enter.

The yield sign should say, YIELD TO ALL LANES
Yield..........means yield. People should not be thinking!
Or, maybe the sign should read YIELD TO ALL LANES AT ALL TIMES.

[Carl in Tampa]

TOTV posters hardly ever apply any science to their posts!:evil6:

"Science? We don't need no stinkin' science."

(With apologies to the banditos in Treasure of The Sierra Madre.)

:popcorn:

[Russ_Boston]

Yes, there is a yield sign, but some people think if the outside lane is open, they have room to enter.

The yield sign should say, YIELD TO ALL LANES

Just another example - How simple can it be? Yield means NO traffic is in the roundabout coming your way. Again very simple. If any traffic is in there that auto may be taking that exit (their right to do so) so stay out until clear.

[CFrance]

I hesitate to enter this foray, but... I think the sign at the roundabout is tricky to decipher quickly when you're new to roundabouts. There's a lot of info there that you must translate from a graph into words in your head while still watching the road. I get it now, but it took a few times passing the signs, plus someone on this forum explaining to treat a roundabout like a four-lane intersection.

I think some kind of signage with words under the graph sign would be helpful... Something like DON'T TURN LEFT FROM THE RIGHT-HAND LANE, YOU DUMB***!

[pooh]

I hesitate to enter this foray, but... I think the sign at the roundabout is tricky to decipher quickly when you're new to roundabouts. There's a lot of info there that you must translate from a graph into words in your head while still watching the road. I get it now, but it took a few times passing the signs, plus someone on this forum explaining to treat a roundabout like a four-lane intersection.

I think some kind of signage with words under the graph sign would be helpful... Something like DON'T TURN LEFT FROM THE RIGHT-HAND LANE, YOU DUMB***!
I have a lightweight ladder and stencils.....;). When can we start? :D

[CFrance]

I hesitate to enter this foray, but... I think the sign at the roundabout is tricky to decipher quickly when you're new to roundabouts. There's a lot of info there that you must translate from a graph into words in your head while still watching the road. I get it now, but it took a few times passing the signs, plus someone on this forum explaining to treat a roundabout like a four-lane intersection.

I think some kind of signage with words under the graph sign would be helpful... Something like DON'T TURN LEFT FROM THE RIGHT-HAND LANE, YOU DUMB***!

I have a lightweight ladder and stencils.....;). When can we start? :D

:1rotfl::boxing2:

[Russ_Boston]

I get it now, but it took a few times passing the signs, plus someone on this forum explaining to treat a roundabout like a four-lane intersection.


Absolutely takes a little getting used to. But you did get it. My problem is with posters who have posted for years that they DON'T get it still. No excuse for them.

[Mikeod]

Absolutely takes a little getting used to. But you did get it. My problem is with posters who have posted for years that they DON'T get it still. No excuse for them.

And then there's the poster who stated he will continue to go 3/4 of the way around the Morse/Stillwater one anyway because he wants to use the bypass at the next roundabout. Doesn't want to be bothered merging, ya know.

[Bogie Shooter]

Even more about roundabouts.