[Indydealmaker]

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.

In today's world Critical Thinkers are extinct. People tend to follow their nose without insight and forethought. When they smash headon into a barrier, thus breaking that nose, it is ALWAYS somebody else's fault.

[buzzy]

I even saw a woman go 3/4 of the way around in the outside lane, but with her left signal on. At least she was a courteous dim-wit.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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.

Less than 25%??? More like less than 2% and I'm one of them!

[fndrbndr]

Originally Posted by happy employee

Sorry that no one can answer your question easily. it's really pretty simple.
If you enter at 6 in the right lane you MUST exit at 3 or 12. If you enter at 6 in the left lane you must exit at 12 or 9. Never change lanes in the roundabout, and cars already in the circle always have the right-a-way. See.. pretty simple when you know the rules

This makes total sense and should be a notice in the Daily Sun at least once a week.

[skyguy79]

This wasn't funny, but I just had to chuckle a little at it anyway. I hope this driver never visits TV!

Never seen a traffic circle?? - YouTube

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by 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.

You are absolutely correct.
The average Villager is not adept in navigating the roundabouts.

[graciegirl]

I think the roundabouts are fine. What is difficult is a huge influx of folks who are not used to them. They slow traffic and yet keep the traffic flowing. I have seen so many inconsiderate people who think of red lights as only a suggestion that I once again see the clear vision of the planners of my favorite place.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

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.

I have my degree in Civil Engineering, and agree with everything you've said. Roundabouts are a good thing as far as traffic calming and flow, but there is ignorance or disregard of the rules of the road in The Villages as far as their useage.

For the poster who is unfamiliar with Traffic Engineering, it is a specialty subset of Civil Engineering, and is offered at all major universities that offer Civil Engineering degrees. Graduates with Civil Engineering degrees have specializations in a particular field such as Structures, Environmental, Traffic, and so on. My specialization happened to be Geotechnical, but I worked in the Traffic Engineering field for many years. Polar Bear knows what he/she is talking about.

[TOTV Team]

Reminder: DO NOT direct comments at another user. Direct them to the topic. Thank you in advance.

[buggyone]

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.

Good idea but too many Villagers would be looking at their watches while driving the roundabouts to see where they should exit.

Why not just tell him to take the first, second, or third exit?

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Admin

Reminder: DO NOT direct comments at another user. Direct them to the topic. Thank you in advance.

How does one reply to another poster without directing comments at another user? Just curious.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by mickey100

How does one reply to another poster without directing comments at another user? Just curious.

I think we need signs and a video and a booklet for correct replies!

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by mickey100

How does one reply to another poster without directing comments at another user? Just curious.

Trust me...there are appropriate ways to direct your comments to others and there are inappropriate ways. :^)

[Bogie Shooter]

And they are?

[annaconner]

Most sensible advice was given a few days ago - left hand lane for turning left, right hand lane for turning right. Both lanes can be used for straight through traffic unless otherwise directed on a sign or the road