Roundabouts built too high

You think you've got a problem? Try getting onto one of these roundabouts with an artic fully loaded
at 44 tonnes... At least in a car you can nip out smartly - NOT an option in a HGV. So when you
think us guys are being bad mannered and pulling out into your path we simply don't have a chance.
We'd sit there all day otherwise... With some visibility no one need ever stop at roundabouts if you
get your timing correct!! One more thing...Drivers too lazy to indicate on roundabouts don't exist in my world. If you're to damn lazy to show your intentions to other road users, I'll be pulling right across your path sometime soon!! Don't dare complain either. You asked for it.

I agree that local authorities are filling roundabouts with all sorts nowadays, trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers not to mention high shevron signs and to make monies, advertisements.
Last year I complained about a roundabout, the main one at end of the motorway heading into Blackpool ,where one continues on towards south shore allong Yeadon Way.

At its circumference it raises some 2 ft and then has bushes planted which makes it at least 5ft tall all the way round, only traffic entering from the immeadiate right can be seen- nothing on and coming round is visible unless its a pantechnican or coach. and the speed limit is 40 mph just reduced from 70 on the m.way.

So I complained and within that complaint was a veiled threat that in the event of an accident the authority may be found somewhat responsible by way of consrutuctive obstruction and therefore have some degree of liability in the event of an accident. ie they could be sued.

Low and behold this spring all the bushes round the outside of the roundabout were removed and now visibility is much improved and to my mind much safer........
so it pays to complain and mention being sued ........of course.

Nice one Marshy.

Too many of the worst drivers (male or female) apply make-up to their cars in order to look glossy and flash, and even to themselves when driving.

This like all the other elements has the female component in it like many other things in life which don't go well.

However, don't mention this in front of Harriet Harman - she's a man eater and will gobble you up if you say anything truthful that she wishes to keep quiet.

PE58APY

Black Astra Life Hatchback

Saturday 9th May 2009 at 10:30

Pulled out as I was going around the A583 roundabout by a B&Q just before the M55 near Blackpool.

I indicated that I was leaving the roundabout and as I started to change lanes to move over he pulls out.

What is it with these poncey drivers who think they come first all the time? I suppose the ladies before gentlemen syndrome explains it if they have this tendency and have the woman element in them.

Increased visibility increases safety.

There may be situations where this is not possible but to deliberately design a road feature that interferes with vision is just plain daft.

I can see your point, but a large part of driving safely involves thinking ahead. These roundabouts remove this possibility so that all decisions have to be made at the last moment. Slowing down is not the only thing that needs to be done when approaching a roundabout; indeed is sometimes not necessary!

Being able to see the traffic coming from the right in advance means that you can filter in safely at an appropriate speed instead of having to virtually stop before entering the roundabout.

but there is a point about if you percieve somthing as dangerous you will take extra care. not being able to see through the roundbaout will make you slow down. if the roundabout is made clear and you can see from a long way back, you are more than likley not to slow down. No being able to see the other side is not against the idea, the whole point is to slow down. that is why these shutter fences are being put in at roundabouts so you have to slow down as you can not see from the right.

The issue is how small a roundabout can be before it becomes a miniroundabout. 15 yds?

What about motorway junction roundabouts? You can't lower the height of them with 6 lanes of traffic thundering overhead. It's just making things easier for drivers, who will then have a panic attack when Oh My God, This Roundabout Isn't Pancake-Sized, What Do I Do Now?
It's annoying when the island on the approach andf exit roads of roundabouts have trees/shrubbery on, because that is more of an issue, but you're supposed to concentrate on the traffi from the right, not traffic directly opposite.

The author of this gripe talks about 'travelling at speed' - perhaps that's the answer! Maybe, just maybe the authorities have wised-up to idiots driving around these roundabouts at too great a speed! Which is exactly why they're DELIBERATELY restricting visibility!

It's not the roundabouts which are dangerous! It's the speeding idiots who are the problem!
If you drive at the correct [safe] speed, surprise surprise: the 'danger' disappears!
So somebody has completely missed the point!

Perhaps the person who posted this should read: -
a) the Highway Code
b) The Driving Manual
or
c)Take the driving test!
Google 'Dunning Kruger effect'

Oh and anorther thing, don't blame health and safety. If more drivers were charged for manslaughter for killing someone by breaching the regulations - think about it the Maslaughter Act, accept the consequences of your actions.

Bottom line, you want to drive fast and kill yourself that's fine but don't be selfish and take someone with you. Take care when you are driving and have respect for people who want to cause themselves harm. It is not a legal requirement to drive like an idiot.