[MikeV]

Originally Posted by billethkid

closely followed by not yielding the right of way.

I have never seen a place where if you put your turn signal on to move over they close up so you can't!

And it does not matter how many different ways how to use a round about is explained.....it does not matter.

I have adopted a complete defensive driving mode for TV and especially in traffic circles. I see near misses almost daily because of rude drivers, road hogs, and like it or not far too many that should not be behind the wheel of any vehicle.

The friendliest hometown as long as they are not behind the wheel.......but please remember most of us do it right....it is the minority that create the problem....it's just such a big minority.

I take it you have never driven on the Garden State Parkway in NJ.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Lauren Sweeny

I came up with idea to help guide my husband ( the driver) where we needed to exit while in the roundabout.
Look at the roundabout as if it was a clock face. The car is always going in at the 6 o'clock position. You can describe the place to turn (or exit ) as being 9 , or twelve or 3 o 'clock. I hope this helps.

The main problem is that nearly every driver will not use their turn signals when exiting. Too often I find myuself "waiting" to enter the round a bout simply because those drivers coming toward me will not signal that they are going to exit the exit just before me. I assure you, if you would sit where you can observe any round a bout you would find that less than 25% ever signal when exiting.

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by MikeV

Just read the sign before entering the roundabout. It is so simple - so simple!

Not north of 466.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by getdul981

Not north of 466.

How are Roundabouts North of 466 different than those south? Here is photo of a Buena Vista Roundabout North of 466. Same sign as south. Same 2 lanes.

[getdul981]

All the ones I remember seeing did not have the 2 lanes indicated. Admittedly, I don't travel up ther often, but I do periodically.

[Bogie Shooter]

So, maybe since your last trip, signs have been erected?

[doccrocker]

If we work it right, perhaps we can persuade the "powers that be" to NOT sell or rent homes to anyone until they have taken a course and then passed a written and practical (driving) test to demonstrate that they know how to navigate roundabouts. It could be a roundabout endorsement on the driver's license similar to a motorcycle endorsement.


BTW and FYI - Before anyone gets upset w/ me, that's just a joke........sort of.... a little bit..... maybe.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by MikeV

Just read the sign before entering the roundabout. It is so simple - so simple!

Sorry, Mike, but it is not simple!
These circles, roundabouts or rotaries are a death trap!
Most seniors do not know how to navigate them because they probably didn't have them in the cities where they are from.
Furthermore, these circles in other cities are often one lane around, not two.
In many cities these roundabouts are being taken out and replaced with 4-way stop signs or a traffic light, because they are dangerous.

Throughout the entire United States, a dotted line means you can safely pass and/or change lanes.
Then you get to the Villages where there are signs which compromise that law.
The signs indicate you can cross (remember -- safely) that dotted line and quite simply -- crash into the guy who is theoretically, going straight.

In addition, if you are going from Brownwood to Spanish Springs, there is no reason it should take a 1/2 hour or so to go about 5 miles.
The roundabouts are nothing more than a danger to residents and gas guzzlers.

I wish they would remove them, but alas! That will never happen.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

Sorry, Mike, but it is not simple!
These circles, roundabouts or rotaries are a death trap!
Most seniors do not know how to navigate them because they probably didn't have them in the cities where they are from.
Furthermore, these circles in other cities are often one lane around, not two.
In many cities these roundabouts are being taken out and replaced with 4-way stop signs or a traffic light, because they are dangerous.

Throughout the entire United States, a dotted line means you can safely pass and/or change lanes.
Then you get to the Villages where there are signs which compromise that law.
The signs indicate you can cross (remember -- safely) that dotted line and quite simply -- crash into the guy who is theoretically, going straight.

In addition, if you are going from Brownwood to Spanish Springs, there is no reason it should take a 1/2 hour or so to go about 5 miles.
The roundabouts are nothing more than a danger to residents and gas guzzlers.

I wish they would remove them, but alas! That will never happen.

I would never claim to know it all regarding this topic (or any other for that matter...heheh) but just for what it's worth, I have a graduate degree in transportation engineering, and I worked in the field for thirty years in Pinellas County, Florida.

I would never say roundabouts are simple. They can be daunting for the inexperienced. But to say they are death-traps is a gross exaggeration. And I'm afraid you make some highly questionable statements regarding their use...

Roundabouts are frequently multi-lane, and are often far larger and more complex than the ones in TV.

In many cities, 4-way stops are being removed and replaced with roundabouts. The City of Clearwater in Pinellas County is a nearby example.

Dotted lines NEVER mean that you can change lanes without regard to vehicles traveling next to you.

Brownwood to Spanish Springs is a much farther distance than 5 miles, and however long it takes you to make the trip, it would take longer if all the roundabouts you pass through on the way were 4-way stops.

Roundabouts eliminate unnecessary stops and reduce fuel consumption. When an intersection has the traffic characteristics and geometrics that warrant consideration of a 4-way stop or a roundabout, from a technical point of view, the roundabouts increase the overall efficiency of the intersection in almost every respect.

[Bogie Shooter]

[Golfingnut]

I have a lot of experience navigating traffic circles in Paris. After doings that at 40 MPH with multiple lanes, these in The Villages seem easy to me. That said, the average American in not equipped ti maneuver these circles smoothly.

[billethkid]

I know what I am going to suggest is impractical but for ANYBODY who would like to get an education at how effective the traffic circles here ARE NOT and how really dangerous THEY ARE......just sit in your golf cart nearby one where a good view can be had for 30 minutes to an hour.

One will not have to wait long for a horn blowing episode, running of the yield sign, crossing from one lane in front of another, staying in the lane one is driving in (my favorite!!!), a bird flipping event, near misses and much more.

My favorite circle is the one in front of Arnold Palmer CC....and that is because I have been hit twice (two separate occasions) while inside the circle (with right of way)....one by a guy who not only came out of his outside lane into mine but pushed me up onto the center island.....he tried to flee but found he couldn't get too far from my vette, claimed he did not know he hit me....a witness who came up behind us fixed his memory as well as the damage to the car.

Second one, again I was in the circle and a fast moving lady entering the circle did not yield and hit the right front fender she claimed she did not see me (which I half believe).

As a result no one can convince me how safe the traffic circles are....because in our elderly, always in a hurry, don't care attitude environment they are proven to not be. Stop sign would be no better. I am sure we have all witnessed the usual roll through and often not even a hesitation running of the stop signs.

For many reasons one just has to be on the defensive as traffic laws are severely abused, ignored and not enforced in TV.

[Carla B]

If newcomers would get a Villages map and study IN ADVANCE where they want to go, then read the Sheriff's brochure on navigating roundabouts, this would alleviate a lot of stress on everybody.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Carla B

If newcomers would get a Villages map and study IN ADVANCE where they want to go, then read the Sheriff's brochure on navigating roundabouts, this would alleviate a lot of stress on everybody.

I agree that in a perfect world, people unfamiliar to roundabouts would educate themselves. In our world, that probably won't happen. Especially with monthly renters or visitors, who are often in a rush. No use complaining. All we can do is drive defensively and always expect sudden inexplicable moves.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by billethkid

I know what I am going to suggest is impractical but for ANYBODY who would like to get an education at how effective the traffic circles here ARE NOT and how really dangerous THEY ARE......just sit in your golf cart nearby one where a good view can be had for 30 minutes to an hour.

One will not have to wait long for a horn blowing episode, running of the yield sign, crossing from one lane in front of another, staying in the lane one is driving in (my favorite!!!), a bird flipping event, near misses and much more.

My favorite circle is the one in front of Arnold Palmer CC....and that is because I have been hit twice (two separate occasions) while inside the circle (with right of way)....one by a guy who not only came out of his outside lane into mine but pushed me up onto the center island.....he tried to flee but found he couldn't get too far from my vette, claimed he did not know he hit me....a witness who came up behind us fixed his memory as well as the damage to the car.

Second one, again I was in the circle and a fast moving lady entering the circle did not yield and hit the right front fender she claimed she did not see me (which I half believe).

As a result no one can convince me how safe the traffic circles are....because in our elderly, always in a hurry, don't care attitude environment they are proven to not be. Stop sign would be no better. I am sure we have all witnessed the usual roll through and often not even a hesitation running of the stop signs.

For many reasons one just has to be on the defensive as traffic laws are severely abused, ignored and not enforced in TV.

The Roundabouts are not dangerous. The drivers are.